Top 5 Major Challenges Facing the Trucking and Transport Industry in 2025

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Did you know that there are more than 577,000 trucking and freight companies in the United States? Data provided by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) paints a picture of a competitive industry that is the backbone of the economy, totaling $987 billion in revenue in 2023 and transporting 84.5% of cargo between the United States and Mexico in 2023.

Trucking and transport companies are an important aspect of our economy and they face challenges year in and year out that can and will have an impact on the economy. This makes it even more important for trucking companies to understand the challenges they may face in the industry and plan ahead. We have created a list of the Top 5 Major Challenges Facing the Trucking and Transport Industry in 2025 at TenTrucks to help you stay ahead of the curve.

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Biggest Challenges to the Trucking Industry in 2025 and Beyond

Trucking, transport, freight, and logistics companies are faced with a wide range of challenges that impact their day-to-day operations and long-term profitability. Some challenges are perennial and affect trucking companies every year, like a shortage of qualified drivers. Other challenges are brand-new and will force trucking companies to adapt, like potential tariffs in the United States and the development of innovative technologies. These challenges can be combated with the right tools and strategies — that may include implementing a Transportation Management System (TMS) to optimize operations.

Here is a closer look at potential challenges that trucking companies will face in 2025 and beyond:

1. Driver Shortage and Retention

An estimated 3.5 million truck drivers were employed in the United States in 2023 and according to some data, this number is an estimated 60,000 – 80,000 drivers short of what is needed. Factors that impact the driver shortage and retention rates include an aging workforce where the average age is 46, the growth of e-commerce, and a difficult time recruiting new drivers. This driver shortage has impacted the supply chain with shortages, higher costs, and more. Trucking companies may be able to minimize the impact of this challenge with more efficient operations and the right tools.

2. Trade Tariffs

The latest challenge to the success of trucking companies is the management of potential trade tariffs in the United States and North America. The United States Government is in the process of working to increase revenue via trade tariffs on other countries and their products, which has led in some cases to retaliatory tariffs and increased financial pressure on trucking companies. Potential trade tariffs mean that trucking companies must adjust how they operate in an effort to make every mile and every dollar count.

3. New Technology

Technology is typically viewed as a benefit — not a challenge — but when new technology reaches the market and the companies that drive the economy, it can present a challenge. The continued development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), autonomous vehicles, and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) means that trucking and freight companies must adapt to and implement this technology to be competitive. The challenge to implement new technology to best fit your business operations can be complicated and may require trial and error.

4. Impact of E-Commerce

The COVID-19 pandemic made e-commerce even stronger with many businesses and retailers closed for extended periods. This rise of e-commerce presents a potential challenge for trucking and transport companies. The increase in e-commerce businesses means that many products are being shipped or mailed directly to consumers and not shipped to stores by trucking companies. It has created an increased demand for last-mile delivery services that may require restructuring for many freight carriers. The increased consumer spending that was initiated by this economic change means that trucking companies must make additional efforts to optimize their operations.

5. Compliance and Regulation Changes

Compliance with economic, environmental, and safety regulations is always a challenge for trucking and transport companies. Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, and more that can have a negative impact on your operations. With regulations always changing and evolving, it can be difficult to keep up with the changes and ensure that your company is compliant. A Transportation Management System can help you keep better track of compliance issues like driver hours-of-service and avoid penalties.

We hope that this list of the Top 5 Challenges Facing the Trucking and Transport Industry in 2025 and a snapshot of how a Transportation Management System may help and has provided a quick glimpse at the future of your industry. Contact TenTrucks today to learn more about how our TenTrucks TMS platform and dispatching services can help you minimize the impact of these challenges!