Tech.co’s 2025 Logistics Report revealed that 85% of U.S. freight businesses are operating near full capacity (at 75% capacity or higher), amid surging freight demand.
The report also highlights a major labor shortage among U.S. freight businesses, with 38% of respondents describing workforce issues as “critical” or of “high urgency.”
Key takeaways:
· 63% of respondents report an increase in demand over the past year.
· 24% of surveyed freight professionals say demand has increased significantly over the past 12 months, whereas just 14% of respondents saw a decline in demand.
- The Top 5 factors impacting freight demand are economic conditions: 63%; supply chain disruptions: 48%; e-commerce growth: 36%; seasonal shifts: 32%; and policy changes: 24%.
- A majority (63%) of respondents cite economic conditions as the primary driver of changing freight demand.
- But disruptions aren’t over yet, as 48% of respondents say supply chain disruptions are driving changes in their freight demand.
- While slightly lower in priority, 36% of respondents still cite e-commerce growth as a major driver of freight change, showing that the E-commerce boom, along with consumer expectations for fast, affordable delivery, still persist.
- 84% of U.S. freight businesses say that there is just enough or more than enough freight to haul; the U.S. logistic industry doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.
- Though most surveyed businesses in this sector are already stretched for capacity, the industry isn’t idling, it’s racing.
- With little room left to absorb new demand, seasonal spikes, or unexpected disruptions, businesses are functioning near their operational ceiling, increasing the potential for service failures.
“On the surface, it's good news. Recent Tech.co research shows that for the vast majority of the logistics industry, there's more than enough demand. However, with ongoing issues including economic conditions and supply chain disruption, it's a volatile time for the industry, and the increased demand is in danger of stretching some companies to breaking point,” says Tech.co’s editor, Jack Turner.
