The US truckload trucking industry is experiencing a significant capacity reduction, with carrier executives saying the correction is still in its "early innings". Regulatory crackdowns, economic weakness, rising diesel prices, and a Supreme Court broker liability ruling have forced numerous small and midsize fleets to exit the market. Jim Filter, CEO of Schneider National, said his company's brokerage unit has reduced its approved carrier list to 14,000 from 60,000 at peak. He noted that thousands of drivers who entered during the previous upcycle lacked proper training and acquired authority unlawfully. Werner Enterprises expects capacity constraints to tighten further. The company forecasts a 10% to 13% year-over-year increase in one-way rates during the third quarter and anticipates "strong" contractual rate increases in the upcoming 2027 bid season. Both carriers report stable demand, with shippers competing to secure capacity ahead of peak season.

Trucking companies and industry groups gear up for NTDAW. On Sep 10, 2026 Werner, Pilot, Love's, Sheetz and other organizations plan offers and events for drivers. September 10, 2026 5:00 PM, EDT Try Time Trackers Werner will host NTDAW events including drivers, maintenance technicians, office employees and customers, and Werner executives will participate in question-and-answer sessions.(Werner Enterprises) Key takeaways: * Trucking companies, travel centers and industry groups are offering giveaways, discounts and recognition events during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. 13-19, with some promotions lasting all month. * Promotions include a custom Kenworth truck giveaway, $50,000, driver rewards and service plaza events, marking the observance's 38th year. * Pilot's Road Warrior nominations close Sept. 18 at 11:59 p.m., with the winner scheduled to be announced in October. Trucking companies, travel centers and other industry organizations are rolling out giveaways, discounts and recognition events for professional drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs Sept. 13-19. American Trucking Associations started NTDAW in 1988. It is celebrating its 38th year with the slogan, "For the Miles You Drive And the Sacrifices You Make: Thank You, Truck Drivers!" Werner Enterprises. Werner Enterprises will hold appreciation events at Werner, Baylor and FirstFleet locations nationwide. The events will include drivers, maintenance technicians, office employees and customers, and Werner executives will participate in question-and-answer sessions. The observance coincides with Werner's 70th anniversary. The company was founded in 1956 by a driver with one truck. Werner ranks No. 19 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America. #NTDAW26 starts NOW! | Werner leaders are hitting the road to celebrate the incredible drivers who Keep America Moving!We'll be stopping across the country over the next two weeks bringing food, gifts and dedicated 1:1 time with leadership. | Read the full announcement:... pic.twitter.com/S1lxqUklds - Werner Enterprises (@One_Werner) September 9, 2026 TryTime Trackers Pilot Co. Pilot Co. is partnering with the Diesel Brothers and Kenworth Truck Co. to give one professional driver a custom-built Kenworth truck and $50,000 through its Road Warrior contest. Nominations are open through Sept. 18 at 11:59 p.m. for drivers who demonstrate professionalism, prioritize safety and serve as stewards of the trucking industry. Road Warrior is back, and this year may be our biggest yet. We're teaming up with @DaleJr, @KenworthTruckCo and Diesel Brothers to give one deserving professional driver a customized semi-truck and $50,000 cash. Nominations open Tuesday, September 1st! pic.twitter.com/xf3lzfMJel - Pilot Flying J (@PilotFlyingJ) August 28, 2026 Drivers can be nominated at pilotcompany.com/nominate-a-road-warrior. Pilot also is offering free weekly rewards through its app during September and holding unannounced events at selected locations around the country. Pilot ranks No. 33 on the TT Top 100 private carriers list. Love's Travel Stops & country stores. Love's Travel Stops is offering professional drivers double points on in-store purchases and triple points on drink refills throughout September through the Love's Rewards App. Food offers include: * Sept. 7-13: buy-one, get-one-free breakfast sandwiches TryTime Trackers * Sept. 13-19: two Subway footlong sandwiches for $13.99; free 3-ounce Old Wisconsin meat snack with the purchase of two * Sept. 14-20: free egg cup with the purchase of a three-count Drummies order * Sept. 16: free single-serve Little Debbie item * Sept. 21-27: buy-one, get-one-free tacos Also, from Sept. 1-Oct. 28, drivers get two free pairs of gloves with the purchase of one pair. Love's ranks No. 29 on the private TT100. Sheetz. Through Sept. 30, Sheetz has reduced the price of bulk diesel exhaust fluid to $1.99 per gallon at 55 locations. At 59 locations offering high-flow truck diesel, the company is giving away commercial diesel hats through Sept. 30 while supplies last. Also, My Sheetz Rewardz members who purchase high-flow diesel can receive a free half-size sub. And members who pump 100 gallons can receive one free made-to-order item or beverage per day through Oct. 27. Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association will hold events at five service plazas during NTDAW: * Sept. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Allentown (Milepost 55.9 north and south) * Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Peter J. Camiel (MP 304.8 west) * Sept. 16, 3 to 7 p.m.: Sideling Hill (MP 172.3 east and west) * Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Oakmont-Plum (MP 49.3 east) * Sept. 17, 3 to 7 p.m.: Lawn (MP 258.8 west) Drivers can receive free giveaways, and volunteers will provide information about the trucking industry and sharing the road with commercial vehicles. Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Army & Air Force Exchange Service stores worldwide will display signs, banners and other messages of recognition for truck drivers. More than 150 drivers deliver for the Exchange worldwide, and 29% are veterans. The fleet also transports 53-foot mobile field exchanges that serve as stores in areas affected by natural disasters. Samsara. On Sept. 10, Samsara launched its Driver Perks program in the United States. The program includes offers from more than 50 companies in categories including food and beverages, wellness, fitness, travel and automotive products. Try Time Trackers Eligible drivers can access the program through the Samsara Driver App or a QR code supplied by their organization. Participating companies set their own terms, and drivers redeem offers directly with those companies. Samsara Driver Perks is here. Professional drivers at Samsara customer organizations now get free access to discounts from more than 50 brands across food, wellness, gear, travel, and more. It's the first rewards program built for professional drivers that's free to drivers... pic.twitter.com/6Y6nbwPeq6 - Samsara (@Samsara) September 10, 2026 Let us know what your company or group is doing for truck drivers during NTDAW. Email us at [email protected]. Assisted by AI.