U.S. Trucking Boom Fades as Tariffs Threaten Oil Demand

U.S. truckers are hauling record volumes of goods like auto parts and appliances, driven by pre-tariff stockpiling, but a slowdown looms as Trump’s 145% tariffs on China and 10% global duties choke economic activity. 

The $906 billion industry, recovering from a freight recession, faces declining demand from manufacturing, which drives 60% of trucking miles.

Dean Croke, principal analyst at Roper Technologies’ DAT Freight and Analytics, explained “Things have turned south in a hurry with this trade war that’s emerging,” adding, “None of the signals are good when it comes to truckload demand.”

Spot rates rose to $1.60/mile, but flat 2025 volumes are expected.

China’s 125% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports, like beef, further strain trucking.

Weakening manufacturing and imports signal reduced oil demand, potentially pushing prices lower as economic activity slows.