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Geopolitics, linehaul and fuel costs, and capacity: Key freight signals for April
Published: Thursday, April 09, 2026 | 09:00 am CDT
North America truckload shipping
Truckload markets are tightening faster than expected, with 2026 costs now projected up 16–17% year over year. Capacity constraints, carrier attrition, and rising operating costs are sustaining rate pressure, even during typically softer seasonal periods.
Explore strategies to navigate rising truckload costsNorth America LTL shipping
LTL markets are showing early signs of firmer conditions, with modest gains in tonnage and shipments and some freight shifting from truckload. However, uneven demand and rising fuel costs are keeping conditions mixed and creating ongoing regional and margin pressure.
Stay ahead of shifting LTL market conditionsOcean freight
Ocean freight conditions in April appear balanced, but underlying disruptions are reducing network flexibility. Rerouting, elevated fuel costs, and capacity adjustments are extending transit times and introducing variability across major trade lanes.
Review April’s network shifts and capacity considerationsAir freight
April’s air freight market is stabilizing after Lunar New Year, but routing constraints, fuel costs, and regional imbalances continue to limit flexibility. Conditions vary by lane, with India and Gulf-linked corridors facing the most persistent pressure.
Explore April’s air freight shifts and planning guidanceIntermodal
Intermodal is showing early recovery, with demand rising and costs remaining competitive versus truckload. As truckload capacity tightens and fuel prices climb, intermodal’s cost advantage is expected to widen, especially across key long-haul lanes.
Unlock savings with intermodal strategiesPorts & drayage
Port operations remain fluid across North America, but inland rail constraints, rising drayage costs, and shifting cargo flows are introducing localized variability. While capacity is available, execution risk is becoming more lane specific.
Plan for inland and drayage variability across key gatewaysCanada, Mexico & cross-border
Cross-border markets are tightening as strong Mexico trade meets rising carrier costs and regulatory pressure, while Canada faces enforcement driven capacity loss and muted seasonal relief. Fuel, labor, insurance, and compliance changes are raising pricing risk and increasing execution complexity across key North American corridors.
Navigate cross-border capacity and cost changesTrade policy & customs
Trade policy continues evolving, with IEEPA refund process build-out, temporary Section 122 tariffs, and new Section 301 actions emerging. While some stability is returning through trade deals, uncertainty remains high as compliance, costs, and global dynamics evolve.
Stay ahead of trade and tariff changesGovernment & regulations
Dalilah’s Law is unlikely to pass this session, with regulatory changes already addressing key provisions. Any impact on driver supply is expected to occur gradually through existing CDL renewal cycles, limiting near-term disruption to capacity.
Understand evolving regulatory impacts on capacityDiesel fuel
Diesel prices climbed from $3.72 to over $5.40 per gallon in March, the highest since mid-2022. Volatility affects carrier margins, capacity, and route decisions. Shippers should refine lanes, stress-test surcharges, and maintain routing flexibility.
Explore strategies to manage fuel costs and surcharges
Actionable freight insights