US road freight companies are increasingly turning to third-party carriers to cope with persistent driver shortages. The necessity comes even as concerns over tariffs and rising vehicle costs begin to ease. The findings are according to new research from Tech.co, a Nevada-based media research company.
The 2025 Logistics Report by Tech.co, surveying 521 professionals in the US transport and shipping sector, found that 67 per cent of freight firms now rely on third-party carriers at least occasionally to maintain operations. Only eight per cent operate entirely in-house, according to the report. The findings highlight the scale of the labour crisis facing the industry. 69 per cent of respondents said driver shortages had affected their ability to meet freight demand.
Driver shortages continue to constrain operations
The problem shows little sign of abating. According to the research by Tech.co, 63 per cent of freight businesses reported that recruitment and retention of drivers had stagnated or worsened over the past year. Just 11 per cent said the situation had improved. Service delivery is being affected, too. Just over half of professionals surveyed said customer expectations had occasionally or frequently been impacted, while only 13 per cent reported no effect.
“Driver shortages are a pressure multiplier,” said Tech.co’s Jack Turner. “They not only disrupt service but escalate concerns across cost, growth opportunities, and supply chain flexibility. In logistics today, third parties are propping up the industry.” While autonomous vehicles make inroads into port operations (and some public trials in Europe), and small vehicles are appearing on US roads in personal transport applications, there is little likelihood of commercial vehicle applications in the short term. Technical, safety and employment issues all remain as significant challenges.
Tariff concerns ease, business optimism rises
At the same time, US trucking firms appear to be cautiously optimistic on tariff-related risks. A separate survey by Tech.co found that only 31 per cent of companies are now preparing for reduced freight demand due to tariffs, down from 40 per cent in April 2025.
Similarly, the proportion preparing for vehicle and equipment cost inflation has fallen from 58 per cent to 50 per cent over the same period. Despite the easing of these concerns, economic pressures remain. Vehicle maintenance and financial management continue to be top strategic priorities for freight operators, reflecting the ongoing strain on the sector.
Size and complexity
The US trucking sector is a vast and complex network, says Tech.co, responsible for moving more than 70 per cent of domestic freight by weight and generating over US$900 billion in annual revenue. It employs more than 3.5 million drivers and includes a mix of large national carriers, regional operators, and owner-operators.
The industry manages diverse freight types, from perishable goods and retail shipments to industrial and hazardous materials. Perhaps the most demanding loads of all are the regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements. The reliance on third-party carriers and temporary workforce solutions reflects the scale of operational challenges in keeping this network moving.