2026 Forecast: Tactics for Shippers, Carriers, and Brokers in the Spot Market

Spot Market Strategies: Looking Ahead to 2026

As we approach 2026, the spot freight market is shifting from being a backup plan to a key element in the logistics strategies of shippers, carriers, and brokers. This change is helping industry players better manage costs, capacity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

To gain deeper insight into these trends, FreightWaves and Trimble conducted a survey among logistics professionals. Their findings reveal that companies are increasingly blending contracted freight with spot market opportunities to remain agile amid ongoing market fluctuations.

Key Takeaways from the Survey

• How the industry is building resilience and scaling operations
• Differences and interplay between contract and spot freight
• The growing role of technology and new procurement methods

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