Navigating a Challenging Market: What Fleets Need to Know Going Into 2026

The transportation industry is entering a period where strategic planning matters more than ever. With stagflation pressures, increased insurance risk, high fuel costs, rising parts tariffs and new emissions regulations on the horizon, fleets—especially small and mid-sized operators—are facing a unique combination of challenges that can’t be ignored.

Below is a breakdown of the most important market signals and what fleet buyers should be doing right now to prepare.

Stagflation Pressures Are Squeezing Fleets

Stagflation—where operating costs rise despite flat freight volumes and stagnant rates—is becoming a real concern across trucking. When consulting with our customers, it is evident that many cost drivers are hitting fleets at the same time:

• Insurance costs are climbing: High-cargo theft incidents across the country are pushing insurance premiums upward. As insurance dollars grow, so do costs associated with repairs, maintenance and claim management.
• Depreciation awareness matters: In an environment where every dollar counts, understanding how equipment depreciates is key to maximizing asset value. Remember to factor depreciation into purchase timing and replacement cycles to stretch their investment as far as possible. View Tax Code 179.

FUEL, FUEL, FUEL: Fuel is one of the highest operating costs for trucking companies —second only to driver pay in many operations. Sudden spikes or volatility in diesel and other fuels disrupt budgeting, route planning and profitability. Diesel fuel has seen an 8.5% increase over the last year.

Tariffs Are Pushing Up Parts and Equipment Costs

Parts and equipment are beginning to see tariff-related cost increases. For many fleets already facing tight margins, these additional expenses add pressure to operating budgets. Staying ahead of tariff trends and adjusting procurement timelines can help fleets avoid paying more than necessary.

We use multiple suppliers to ensure we are offering the best pricing to our customers. Ask about how we can provide the best parts deals and view our Monthly Parts Specials at Transport Services.

Small and Mid-Size Fleets Are the Most Vulnerable

We are a “small” company in terms of our employee count, so we know what it takes to be competitive and how hard it is to make a fair profit. There’s no brushing over the fact that smaller fleets are being affected by these tougher economic conditions. Large carriers may have the financial buffer to absorb these rising costs, but smaller operators don’t always have that luxury. Limited capital access, fewer customer diversification opportunities and tighter cash flow make small and mid-size fleets more sensitive to economic swings.

We recommend several strategies that can help protect against financial strain:

- Invest in insurance risk-management tools to reduce exposure.
- Diversify your customer mix to protect revenue streams — look for different lanes.
- Stay engaged with industry groups to gain early insight into shifts coming down the pipeline. Look for our blogs and subscribe to our monthly newsletter as we will be regularly providing quality information!

EPA 2027 Low-NOx Standards Create New Purchasing Uncertainty

The EPA’s 2027 low-NOx requirements  are one of the most significant regulatory changes in years—especially for Class 8 trucks. However, the timeline and final details have created delays and uncertainty for fleets. Due to regulatory uncertainty, many OEMs have stopped offering pre-buy incentives for EPA 2027 equipment. This has caused fleets to hesitate on large capital commitments.

Many fleets are holding back on equipment purchases until details solidify, contributing to softer order volumes today but potential spikes later. This has resulted in used equipment being on higher demand than in years past. Check out our Inventory to see which deal is best for you!

A Strategic Pre-Buy Could Emerge in Late 2026

Industry forecasts suggest there may be a slight pre-buy rush for Class 8 trucks in Q3 and Q4 of 2026. If EPA requirements become clearer, fleets looking to save on cost increases or avoid early-stage complexity of new systems might benefit from purchasing ahead.

Fleets should watch for updates on the EPA 2027 implementation timeline. It’s also sensible to analyze how compliant engines and equipment affect long-term operating budgets. Create some internal dialogue to determine whether a 2026 strategic pre-buy aligns with their replacement cycle and cost-saving goals. If so, contact our sales staff to guide you through your purchase for trailers. 

Stay Proactive

The combination of rising costs, economic stagnation and regulatory uncertainty makes this a pivotal moment for the transportation industry. Fleets that stay informed, plan their capital investments carefully and build flexibility into their strategies will be better positioned to weather the next few years.

Transport Services is here to help guide your operations to success in 2026. Let us help you navigate the market and be a trusted provider for all your semi-trailer needs! Reach out here, or contact us:

P: 440.582.4900

E: sales@transportservices.com