The freight market continues to send mixed signals. AI and data center construction are driving demand while manufacturing remains in expansion territory. At the same time, carrier capacity continues to contract, operating costs are rising, and diesel has reached a record high.
Spot rates have eased from recent highs, but remain well above last year. Here’s a look at the forces shaping the market, and what to watch next.
For Randolph James, President of James Transportation, success isn’t just measured in miles; it’s measured in relationships, family, and keeping his word.
After spending 20 years managing eight locations and 120 employees for KFC, James decided it was time for a change. Following a conversation with a friend about the trucking industry, he took a bold leap of faith: he bought his first truck, went to school to get his CDL license, and launched James Transportation out of Connecticut in 2007.
“Never looked back since then,” James said.
Cold calling in a hyper-competitive market isn’t about running through a rigid script—it’s about pattern interrupts, building rapport, and mastering sales conversations under pressure.
In a recent podcast episode, Andrew Elsener, Co-Founder of Spot, sat down with Dr. Stefanie Boyer, a Professor at Bryant University and Co-Founder of RNMKRS, to unpack modern sales strategies and AI-driven training.
Spot has been recognized by FourKites®, a leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation, on its Premier Carrier List for the first half of 2026, identifying carriers and brokers that have shown outstanding tracking performance across all modes of transport globally.
The Premier Carrier List spotlights carriers and brokers who consistently provide exceptional visibility and service quality to their customers. These carriers reduce manual check calls, minimize dwell time, streamline carrier-shipper workflows, and help shippers respond quickly to operational changes and disruptions.
FourKites® operates as a leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneers of real-time visibility, turning supply chain data into automated action. FourKites®Intelligent Control Tower® breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks, and optimize performance across their supply chain.
View The Full List >> https://www.fourkites.com/premier-carriers/
The freight market is sending a clear signal: shippers are paying more to move less, while available capacity continues to contract. Manufacturing demand remains uneven, intermodal is taking share from long-haul truckload, and rising operating costs are putting additional pressure on carriers.
At the same time, regulatory enforcement is removing capacity from the market, while diesel prices have moved back above $5 per gallon.
Here’s what matters now.
When Christian Hyman joined Spot, the company was navigating a period of rapid growth. While rapid expansion is an exciting milestone, it comes with real operational challenges, especially when relying on outdated systems.
“I don’t think the company’s infrastructure was there to support that growth,” Hyman recalls. “In turn, that falls on recruiting.”
To meet the challenge head-on, Hyman helped revamp Spot’s entire talent acquisition strategy. By replacing archaic tools with cutting-edge technology, the team streamlined the hiring process, boosted efficiency, and accelerated velocity, making life easier for recruiters and setting Spot up for scalable success.
In the latest episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsener, sits down with two of Spot’s industry veterans and Senior National Account Directors, Theo Mascari and Alex Buening, to break down today’s unpredictable freight environment.
Market Update.
In logistics, data is abundant but converting it into actionable foresight is where the real challenge lies. In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsner, spoke with Jonathan Starks, CEO of FTR Transportation Intelligence, to make sense of current market cycles, regulatory headwinds, and what lies ahead for freight capacity.
Here are the key takeaways from their conversation.
The freight market continues its shift toward carrier favorability as shrinking capacity (not surging freight volumes) drives tighter conditions across North America. AI infrastructure investments are fueling growth in specialized freight, while higher operating costs and fewer available trucks are pushing spot rates to their highest levels in years.
Here’s what shippers should be watching heading into the second half of 2026.
Today Spot is pleased to announce it has been included on Selling Power’s 60 Best Companies to Sell For 2026 list.
Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsener, shared, “For the eighth year in a row, Spot has been recognized as a top sales organization, and our team is stronger than ever. This continued recognition from Selling Power highlights how baked-in excellence is to The Spot Experience. As we grow, we will keep pushing to elevate our team and the unmatched service we provide.”
Selling Power publisher and founder Gerhard Gschwandtner weighed in on this year’s list: “In the tumultuous business environment of 2025, the 60 Best Companies to Sell For have demonstrated remarkable success and growth by elevating their sales teams to new heights. These companies have invested in comprehensive training programs, cutting-edge tools, and supportive work environments that empower their sales professionals to excel. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, they have set a high standard in the competitive world of sales.”
Selling Power’s research team utilizes a comprehensive proprietary application process where they gather data across five key areas:
Company Overview, Compensation and Benefits, Hiring, Sales Training & Sales Enablement, Commitment to fostering Diversity and Inclusion, and AI incorporation into improving sales processes and supporting sales teams.
More than 200 companies were analyzed in each of the categories above to determine the final list. The methodology is the product of years of research that Selling Power continues to revise and refine. The companies included range a size from small to enterprise.
You can view the full list of the 60 Best Companies to Sell For in 2026 here.
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