Core Insights - A significant transformation in retail supply chains is occurring, with retailers moving from centralized national distribution centers to multiple regional centers [3][7][36] - 93% of retail supply chain leaders plan to expand warehousing and distribution in the U.S. or Mexico, and 85% intend to reduce their supply chain footprint in East Asia by 2028 [2][17] - The shift towards regional distribution centers is expected to increase freight availability in specific markets, leading to shorter and more frequent loads [9][8][36] Supply Chain Changes - Retailers are establishing regional distribution centers closer to customers, which allows for quicker access to products sourced from Mexico and the American South [7][13] - The transition from long-haul to regional runs is changing freight dynamics, with markets that previously had low freight activity now experiencing increased loads [8][9] - The South and Southeast are primary beneficiaries of this nearshoring trend, with Texas serving as a central hub for goods entering the U.S. [13][14] Inventory Management - Retailers are increasing buffer inventory to mitigate trade uncertainties, with 93% of executives indicating this strategy is currently being implemented [17][18] - This inventory buffering leads to increased truck freight volumes before actual sales occur, creating temporary spikes in freight activity [19][20] Market Dynamics - The survey indicates that 79% of retail supply chain executives are dissatisfied with their current logistics networks, prompting plans to restructure partnerships with 3PLs and carriers [24][25] - The demand for improved visibility tools is critical, as 55% of supply chain leaders identified this as a gap in their current carriers [28][29] Consumer Impact - Current economic pressures on consumers, including high credit card debt and rising diesel prices, may temper the expected freight volume from new distribution networks [33][34] - The anticipated freight volume will build gradually as both infrastructure and consumer demand mature, rather than appearing suddenly [35][36]