J.B. Hunt Transport Services projects truckload rates to rise 20% due to regulatory-driven capacity reductions and higher operational costs.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services expects truckload rates to climb 20% over the next two years, driven by stricter regulatory enforcement shrinking capacity. The company cited rising driver wages and operational costs as key factors pushing rates higher for shippers.
Most truckload carriers recently revised bid season rate expectations from low- to mid-single-digit increases to mid- to high-single digits. Some transactional customers may face double-digit hikes, with J.B. Hunt anticipating a double-digit run rate by the second half of this year.
Demand in the first quarter exceeded expectations, though the housing sector remains weak. Leadership noted steady conditions and increased bid activity outside typical annual cycles, signaling sustained upward pressure on rates.