DAT 2026 Freight Focus: Gradual recovery expected for transportation providers as AI reshapes industry operations
Truckload transportation providers should not expect a dramatic rebound in the freight market in 2026, according to the latest annual Freight Focus: Transportation & Logistics Outlook report from DAT Freight & Analytics.
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DAT 2026 Freight Focus: Gradual recovery expected for transportation providers as AI reshapes industry operations
Truckload pricing has remained inverted—with spot rates below contract rates—for three and a half years, creating unsustainable pressure on motor carriers where expenses have risen far faster than inflation, the report said.
The good news for carriers is that more shippers are prioritizing stability and service over incremental savings on freight transportation.
"In this extended buyer's market, shippers are making a fundamental shift in their approach to procurement," said Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics at DAT. "They're putting carrier viability on par with, or even above, savings. They're balancing cost efficiency with reliable capacity."
Technology as a competitive advantage
While pricing changes will be incremental, the rapid acceleration of AI and automation is reshaping how freight brokers, carriers, and shippers operate. The report highlights several areas of technological change:
- For brokers: Success means reducing operating expenses per load through new forms of broker automation; bolstering security through efficient, effective carrier vetting; and enabling dynamic bidding. Brokers will expand their use of digital freight matching to manage loads more efficiently and at scale.
- For carriers: The first half of 2026 will require the same financial and operating discipline as the past three years. Technologies that improve cash flow, deliver the visibility customers expect, and maximize utilization will be essential.
- For shippers: Rather than waiting for annual RFPs, efficient mini-bids and dynamic pricing for low-volume lanes can keep truckload rates aligned with the market.
DAT's transformational year
The 2026 Freight Focus report ranks the top markets for dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed freight and details DAT's transformational year in 2025, including its acquisitions of Trucker Tools for freight visibility, the Convoy Platform for automated freight matching, and Outgo for factoring and financial services for truckers.
The report also previews a new DAT iQ product that will help shippers manage mini-bids more efficiently.
The 2026 Freight Focus report is free and available to download at: DAT.com/FreightFocus
About DAT Freight & Analytics
DAT Freight & Analytics operates the DAT One truckload freight marketplace; Convoy Platform, an automated freight-matching technology; DAT iQ analytics service; Trucker Tools load-visibility platform; and Outgo factoring and financial services for truckers. Shippers, transportation brokers, carriers, news organizations, and industry analysts rely on DAT for market trends and data insights, informed by nearly 700,000 daily load posts and a database exceeding $1 trillion in freight market transactions.
Founded in 1978, DAT is a business unit of Roper Technologies (NASDAQ:ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, DAT continues to set the standard for innovation in the trucking and logistics industry. Visit dat.com for more information.
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Georgia Jablon, Corporate Communications, DAT Freight & Analytics
[email protected]