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Home » Global Supply Chain Management » Survey: Surge in Freight Demand Could Stretch Companies to 'Breaking Point'

Survey: Surge in Freight Demand Could Stretch Companies to 'Breaking Point'

MIXTURE OF RED AND BLUE SHIPPING CONTAINERS UNDER A CLOUDY, BLUE SKY.

Photo: iStock.com/Fahroni

July 2, 2025
SupplyChainBrain

Around 85% of logistics businesses say that they're operating close to full capacity, as chaotic economic conditions and supply chain disruptions have fueled a dramatic surge in demand.

In a survey of 521 U.S. freight and logistics industry professionals, technology news platform Tech.co found that 63% of respondents have seen an increase in demand over the last year, 24% of whom reported a "significant" surge. More than 60% pointed to economic conditions as the reason behind that trend, while 48% blamed disruptions to supply chains.

"On the surface, it's good news," said Tech.co editor Jack Turner. "However, it's a volatile time for the industry, and the increased demand is in danger of stretching some companies to breaking point."

Read More: Tariff Turmoil Threatens to Bring 'Summer of Discontent'

As Tech.co's report points out, supply chains could break down quickly if businesses can't keep up with growing demand, meaning that "the slightest disruption could put a lot of strain on their bottom line." That has 43% of freight businesses highlighting on-time delivery as the part of their operations under the most pressure right now, followed by driver availability at 42%, cost control at 39%, and customer expectations at 37%. An ongoing trucker shortage has also become a "persistent problem," as recruitment and retention efforts have failed to keep up with the growing demand for drivers.

A variety of factors have slowed recruitment efforts for truckers, with nearly 40% of potential drivers complaining about low pay, while 38% voice concerns over long hours, and 33% saying that regulatory burdens are their biggest barrier to entry. To address those issues, 73% of businesses say that technology has already helped them address workplace challenges, with 51% adopting route optimization software, 46% using driver monitoring and coaching platforms, and 41% using telematics and fleet tracking.

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