The report shows a market where supply and demand dynamics are slowly shifting, but freight demand remains soft overall. Many carriers, after a tough earnings quarter, are being cautious on capacity expansion, meaning fleet growth is muted, and rate increases will rely more on capacity discipline than volume growth. Even though demand is down, freight capacity is slowly tightening. That tightness is showing up in spot-to-contract rate spreads, giving carriers a chance to negotiate better contracts. The report suggests that 2026 probably won’t be a “boom” year, but a period of stabilization and rate discipline, where carriers who manage cost, capacity, and service efficiently will have an edge. What this means for you Carriers & 3PLs: Holding capacity steady and being selective on load acceptance can pay off, it’s about margin control, not volume. Brokers: It may be harder to find capacity at low rates. Now’s the moment to lock in contracts and build strong carrier relationships. Shippers: Don’t assume rates will drop just because volumes are down, limited capacity could keep prices steadier than expected. Everyone: Expect 2026 to reward efficiency, flexibility, and planning ahead, not just aggressive growth. https://www.freightwaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24/Q4-Carrier-Rate-Report.pdf

According to recent reporting from FreightWaves, CRST is reportedly shutting down its over-the-road trucking operations, stepping away from long-haul freight services. https://www.freightwaves.com/news/crst-to-shut-down-over-the-road-trucking-operations-source-says

Swedish autonomous-and-electric freight company Einride has agreed to merge with Legato Merger Corp. III, a special-purpose acquisition company, to become publicly listed in the U.S. at an estimated valuation of $1.8 billion. Why this matters for logistics & supply chain: Einride is already running a fleet in multiple countries, including the U.S., and partnering with enterprise-shippers to roll out electric/autonomous freight operations. As autonomous and zero-emission heavy trucking scales, logistics providers will face new competitive pressures and opportunities to incorporate these technologies. The listing highlights investor confidence in freight tech and electrified / autonomous transport as a strategic inflection point for carriers, brokers, and 3PLs. But it also raises the stakes: scaling these models is capital-intensive, and the route to profitability remains challenging. https://www.einride.tech/press/einride-a-leading-digital-electric-and-autonomous-freight-technology-company-to-go-public-via-a-business-combination-with-legato-merger-corp-iii-at-a-1-8-billion-valuation

Kimberly-Clark is set to buy Kenvue (the company behind beloved brands like Tylenol, Neutrogena, and Listerine) in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $48.7 billion, creating a powerhouse in consumer health and wellness. Why it matters: -The combined entity expects roughly $32 billion in annual revenue. -Anticipated cost synergies of roughly $2 – 2.1 billion annually within the first few years post-close. -The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. -Kimberly-Clark shareholders will own about 54% of the merged company, with Kenvue shareholders owning the remaining 46%. Implications for logistics & supply chain partners: -With this scale of consolidation, supply-chain optimization (sourcing, manufacturing, distribution) will be under heavy focus, opportunities arise for logistics providers who can deliver value and flexibility. -Inventory strategies, contract logistics, and warehousing may be reevaluated as the combined company seeks efficiencies. -For brokers, carriers, and 3PLs: aligning with a Health & Wellness mega-brand could unlock larger volume tiers, but may also bring tighter cost control and higher performance expectations. https://lnkd.in/eZASBEqk

https://www.reuters.com/business/nvidia-teams-with-palantir-go-after-corporate-logistics-business-2025-10-28/