For-hire market is finally starting to turn—but freight is still weak

For-hire pricing might finally get a boost this year, driven not by booming freight demand but by continued capacity shrinkage.
March 5, 2026

Is the market finally turning?

Though freight demand is not exactly strong yet, trucking's capacity has certainly shrunk. This year, fleets can finally expect pricing strength through a capacity-induced upturn.

In this interview, Tim Denoyer, VP and senior analyst at ACT Research, breaks down the firm's view of the variables in this market: In the near future, fleets can expect "slight growth in freight demand, some contraction on the supply side."

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe

Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

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