Business tech publication Tech.co has found that tariffs announced by the Trump Administration in April are impacting the road freight sector of the world’s biggest economy, currently involved in a trade war with its closest competitor, China.
Data collected from a survey of 260 sector professionals in the same month shows that 58% of US freight firms are preparing for soaring vehicle and equipment costs due to the “Liberation Day” tariffs.
The survey found that 66% of US freight firms say tariffs have already impacted their operations.
A further 23% of respondents said rising diesel costs were the greatest issue their businesses faced.
A post-survey statement said: “The US freight industry is preparing to be hit by vehicle and equipment cost inflation as a result of tariffs.
“The widespread anticipation of tariffs causing cost inflation adds another layer of financial pressure to an industry already struggling with rising fuel and labour costs.”
The statement added that over half (58%) of surveyed US freight businesses were preparing for soaring vehicle and equipment costs as a direct result of tariffs.
“The possibility of tariffs inflating vehicle and equipment costs is an understandable concern, as 66% of surveyed freight firms say tariffs have already affected their companies’ operations.”
Adding to what the survey found is a warning from the American Trucking Associations that tariffs have the potential to inflate the price of a new truck by $35 000.
“Rising costs are not just a future concern for the US freight industry, but are a current reality.”
It was found that the biggest issues currently facing the US road freight sector are workforce shortages, 25%; rising diesel prices, 23%; major unforeseen disruptions, 16%; government regulations, 14%; and problems with working conditions, 8%.”
Managing financial pressures would be one of the highest priorities for freight businesses this quarter, the statement said.
The 21% of businesses who cite “managing financial pressures” as their main priority for this quarter, plan to do so by reducing operational costs, 46%; diversifying services or exploring new revenue streams, 30%; negotiating better rates with shippers, 32%; seeking financing or restructuring debt, 29%; negotiating better insurance premiums, 21%; and improving invoicing and payment processing, 21%.
Tech.co editor Jack Turner said: “It will take a while before the true cost of 2025's tariffs onslaught catches up with the industry, but already cracks are starting to show, as the data reveals.
“Huge incoming increases in vehicle and equipment costs could well see companies resist updating their fleets, kicking the can down the road and making do with ageing and inefficient trucks and tools for some time.”
Editor of The Inside Lane trucking newsletter, Bianca Prieto, said: “Freight companies are getting hit from all sides — tariffs, diesel prices, labour shortages — and many are already operating on razor-thin margins. The coming months will test how agile and resilient this industry really is.”
