Nearly half of carriers are planning to delay fleet investments in 2026 as tariff-related costs ripple through the transportation industry, according to the 2026 State of Transportation Report
What’s Related
The report found that 47% of carriers expect to delay planned fleet investments next year due to tariff pressure, particularly on imported equipment and parts. Purchases of new trucks and trailers are most likely to be affected, as are technology upgrades and investments in alternative fuels or EVs.
That slowdown follows an already difficult year for capital spending. In 2025, 92% of carriers were forced to delay, reduce, or cancel planned investments as the anticipated freight market rebound failed to materialize
Equipment upgrades took the biggest hit, followed by hiring and workforce development programs.
The investment pullback could have ripple effects for shippers. Fewer new truck purchases may slow fleet modernization, limit the rollout of fuel-efficient equipment, and delay broader adoption of alternative fuel technologies. That, in turn, could complicate efforts to reduce emissions and improve network performance.
Two strategies emerge
Not all carriers are hitting pause.
While 47% plan to delay investments, 36% say they intend to accelerate spending in 2026
Some may be looking to lock in pricing before tariffs drive costs even higher. A smaller share (5%) plans to cancel investments entirely, while 11% expect no impact.
This divide creates two very different strategies heading into 2026. Some carriers are taking a defensive posture, preserving capital until policy conditions stabilize. Others appear to be betting that investing now could create a competitive advantage, especially if freight rates recover.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect freight rates to increase in 2026
If that forecast proves accurate, carriers that delayed spending may revisit modernization plans later in the year as margins improve.
