trucking

J.B. Hunt Projects 20% Truckload Rate Growth Over Next Two Years

J.B. Hunt Transport Services forecasts truckload rates will rise 20% over the next two years as regulatory pressures tighten carrier capacity and shippers compete for available trucks. The company expects double-digit rate increases by the second half of 2026, driven primarily by constrained supply rather than demand surges. Carriers are moving to restore margins after years of cost pressures, while driver wage increases in key markets add to operational expenses. First-quarter demand exceeded expectations, with food and industrial segments performing strongly despite continued weakness in housing. Most truckload carriers have raised bid season rate expectations to mid- to high-single digits. Some transactional-oriented customers are facing double-digit hikes. J.B. Hunt's dedicated contracts feature consumer-price escalators of 2-4% annually, though radical cost shifts may trigger steeper increases.