Trucking Capacity Tightens Amid Near Record High Rates
The U.S. trucking industry is experiencing a tightening of capacity as freight rates remain near record levels, according to the June For-Hire Trucking Index from ACT Research. The Freight Rate Index fell slightly month-over-month but still ranks among its highest in nearly 17 years. Meanwhile, Class 8 tractor sales continue below replacement levels and new federal regulations are constraining driver availability. The Capacity Index reached a four-year high of 55.0 in June, though this growth is driven by larger fleets rather than broad industry expansion. ACT Research anticipates further capacity gains later in the year as spot rate increases translate into contract rates and carriers upgrade equipment to meet new EPA'27 emissions standards. Despite these trends, fleet purchase intentions remain subdued due to low profit margins from 2026 and a lag between rising spot and contract rates. However, ACT Research expects this gap will close in the coming months as rate gains continue.
Topics: driver availability freight rates regulatory impact truck capacity shortage