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Freight Cycle May Prove Resilient Despite Economic Headwinds, Industry Leaders Say

Nearly 360 transportation professionals gathered in Nashville this week for Reliance Partners' fifth annual industry seminar, where executives outlined reasons why the current freight cycle could extend beyond typical patterns.

Thom Albrecht, chief revenue officer at Reliance Partners, presented economic data on consumer health. Inflation-adjusted wages declined after 35 consecutive months of gains, while savings rates remain near 3% against historical averages exceeding 8%. Credit card delinquencies at 90 days have climbed to 7.1%.

Business demand improved from 2025 levels, though customer inventories sit near historic lows. Replenishment freight has tracked steadier than year-ago comparisons. Gasoline prices rose 26.7% year-over-year, while housing markets have stalled for nearly four years with existing home sales falling significantly.