The transportation industry continues to experience significant market shifts as capacity tightens, operating costs rise, and demand remains strong across multiple shipping modes. Industry analysts report that transportation costs are increasing across truckload, LTL, parcel, and ocean freight, creating pricing pressure throughout the supply chain – not just for Sterling Transportation.1,2,3,4,6
To continue delivering the dependable service our customers expect, Sterling Transportation will implement a 6.2% General Rate Increase (GRI) effective September 1, 2026.
While no one welcomes higher transportation costs, this adjustment reflects broader market conditions affecting carriers throughout the industry.
Throughout 2026, freight markets have steadily shifted in favor of carriers. Truckload spot rates have climbed significantly as available capacity has tightened, with some major lanes reaching or exceeding pandemic-era pricing levels. At the same time, contract rates are also moving upward – an indication the market is strengthening beyond short-term fluctuations.3,4,5
Beyond truckload, transportation costs continue to rise across nearly every shipping mode. Ocean freight is experiencing an earlier-than-normal peak season, while LTL and parcel carriers are also adjusting pricing in response to higher demand, tighter capacity, and rising operating expenses.1,2,6,7
Several factors are contributing to these market conditions:
Reduced Transportation Capacity
Carrier consolidation, fleet reductions, and regulatory enforcement have reduced available truck capacity, increasing competition for equipment and giving carriers greater pricing leverage.3,4,5
Growing Freight Demand
Manufacturing activity, retail replenishment, and seasonal shipping patterns continue to generate healthy freight volumes across truckload, LTL, and parcel networks, placing additional pressure on transportation capacity.1,2
Industry-Wide Operating Costs
Labor, equipment, insurance, maintenance, technology investments, and other operational expenses continue to increase, requiring carriers throughout the industry to adjust rates to maintain reliable service levels.5,9
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Ocean freight markets have entered an earlier-than-normal peak season. Tariff-related front-loading, carrier capacity management, and ongoing geopolitical disruptions have driven container rates higher across major trade lanes, increasing costs throughout global supply chains.6,7,8
Industry analysts expect these market conditions to continue through the second half of 2026, with disciplined carrier capacity and sustained shipping demand supporting a stronger freight market.4,2,10
Sterling’s priority has always been providing reliable, consistent transportation solutions backed by responsive customer service and dependable transit performance.
This General Rate Increase enables us to continue investing in the people, technology, and operational resources necessary to deliver the level of service our customers rely on every day.
Your account representative will provide details regarding how this adjustment applies to your shipments prior to the effective date of September 1, 2026.
If you have questions, we’re always here to help. Thank you for your continued partnership and for trusting Sterling Transportation with your shipping needs.
1Transport Topics. LTL Outlook – July 2026
2PLS Logistics. State of LTL Freight 2026
3CAP Logistics. Truckload Repricing Deepens: July 2026 Spot Rates Approach COVID Highs
4C.H. Robinson. North America Truckload Freight Market Update – July 2026
5Logistics Management. 2026 Truckload Roundtable: Carrier Leverage Returns
6Freightos. Ocean Rates Climb Again Even as Fuel Costs Ease – June 23, 2026
7Freightos. Ocean Rates Climbing With More Increases Expected Soon – June 9, 2026
8CAP Logistics. Freight Costs Rising Again: Ocean & LTL – June 2026
9Transportation Insight. Transportation Industry Trends: July 13–17, 2026
10J.M. Rodgers. Freight Market Update – June 2026