The US transportation industry is a cornerstone of the economy, but it is facing a critical driver shortage. With an estimated 3.54 million drivers hauling a vast majority of the nation's freight, the industry's ability to maintain a strong workforce is essential for its stability and growth. To succeed in this competitive market, companies must adopt a strategic approach to compensation and talent management.
navigating the us driver shortage
The US trucking industry is facing a severe and growing driver shortage, a crisis that is being exacerbated by an aging workforce and a relatively low number of young drivers entering the field. This puts significant pressure on companies to find ways to attract new talent, while also retaining their existing drivers.
Our guide addresses the key dynamics of this market:
- An industry in transition: The industry is expected to stabilize heading into 2026, with moderate growth driven by consumer demand, e-commerce, and sectors like healthcare that rely heavily on efficient ground transportation.
- The Technology Advantage: As a solution to the driver shortage, many companies are pivoting toward technology to reduce their reliance on human drivers. A recent survey found that over 63% of US freight businesses are using some form of technology to address this challenge.
- Record high operating costs: Carriers are grappling with rising costs, including fuel and insurance, which are putting pressure on profit margins and making it difficult to offer higher compensation.
Our 2026 US transportation salary guide is the essential resource for navigating these challenges, providing the data and strategies you need to build a high-performing and resilient workforce.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 transportation salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of transportation and logistics specialties to give you a detailed view of the evolving US market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at national and regional salary averages for the most sought-after roles, including:
- CDL truck driver
- fleet manager
- logistics coordinator
- warehouse manager
- supply chain analyst
- dispatch supervisor
- owner-operator driver
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- Tech to relieve the labor crisis: The guide explores how technologies like digital freight matching (89% satisfaction rating) and routing optimization software (87% satisfaction rating) are helping to ease the labor crisis and boost operational efficiency. We provide insights on how to leverage these tools for a competitive advantage.
- Competitive compensation and retention: The guide explores how to build a compensation package that helps you attract and retain top talent. With driver wages having climbed 15.5% in recent years, the guide helps you understand how to pair competitive pay with other incentives to reduce high turnover.
- Navigating regulatory & economic shifts: The industry is facing structural headwinds from tariffs, emissions compliance, and tight capital availability. Our guide provides insights on how to prioritize strategic planning, operational flexibility, and continued investment in resilience to navigate the year ahead.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of transportation compensation in the US. By understanding these trends, you can build a resilient team and secure your talent pipeline for the years to come.
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