For-hire trucking's overcapacity problem—and its eventual solution

Private fleets and an excess of owner-operators have weakened for-hire pricing for years. Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s senior analyst, explains the problem and shares predictions for its eventual resolution.

Jeremy Wolfe

Sept. 4, 2025

The pandemic severely disrupted freight capacity. Many private fleets insourced their freight operations to increase supply chain control. High rates and free federal money brought many new owner-operators.

This new capacity has been slow to decline. Paired with sluggish freight growth, the for-hire market has had a rough few years.

Tim Denoyer, ACT Research’s senior analyst, explains the problem and shares predictions for its eventual resolution.

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.