Freight rates are still up in 2025, with ocean shipping costs 140% higher than in 2019 and air freight following suit. Across the logistics world, something strange is happening – brokers are using full sentences, and truckers are cautiously hopeful.
“It’s weird,” said one owner-operator. “A broker offered me $2.75 a mile and didn’t call it a ‘premium opportunity.’ I almost hung up just out of habit.”
Analysts credit the strong eCommerce trend, tight capacity, and a collective decision by the industry to stop pretending everything was fine in 2023.
“We’re seeing a more balanced market,” one economist explained. “Which is academic speak for ‘we’re all still winging it, but slightly less.’”
Some carriers are thriving. “We gave our dispatchers ergonomic chairs and bought a second microwave for the breakroom,” a fleet manager shared. “We’re basically Fortune 500 now.”
Of course, shippers are panicking. “How dare truckers have leverage,” one logistics VP reportedly muttered while adjusting his Bluetooth headset. “Next thing you know, they’ll ask for detention pay… again.”
Freight brokers are scrambling to rebrand. “We’re not lowballers,” one insisted. “We’re opportunity curators. We match premium vibes with affordable mileage.”
Drivers are enjoying the rare moment. “Last week, I turned down a load because it wasn’t worth my time,” said one driver. “Then I stared into the distance and whispered, ‘Is this… self-respect?’”
At truck stops the energy is different. “Folks are tipping, smiling, even fixing their A/C units,” said one waitress. “It’s like 2018, but with slightly more trauma.”
Everyone agrees it won’t last forever. “Rates go up, rates go down,” said a skeptical flatbedder. “Right now, it’s up – and I’m gonna enjoy it while pretending I don’t still owe $11,000 in DEF sensors.”
So, for now, rates are solid, spirits are cautiously lifted, and the industry is learning to accept good news without immediately checking for a catch.
Because in trucking, even a decent rate feels like finding parking after dark – rare, magical, and probably gone in five minutes.
*All articles on this website are crafted with human creativity and a touch of AI-inspired humor. These stories are entirely fictional, written purely for fun and entertainment, and should not be taken as factual or advice. Keep smiling and stay safe! And remember-don’t read while driving; tune in to our podcast instead 🙂
