Carriers anticipate pricing power while shippers plan for flexibility in 2026

The freight market is entering 2026 with cautious optimism replacing the extreme volatility of recent years. As market dynamics evolve, shippers and carriers are approaching the year with notably different strategies, according to new survey data from Echo Global Logistics. Echo surveyed 1,024 shippers and 832 carriers between October and November 2025, capturing expectations that diverge on pricing even as both groups anticipate volume growth. Carriers are positioning for a more favorable pricing envi ...