FreightWaves Q2 Carrier Rate Report: As Freight Demand Strengthens, Focus Shifts to Recruiting, Vetting and Retaining Qualified Drivers

Recent findings from FreightWaves’ Q2 2026 Carrier Rate Report offer an important reminder for training schools, workforce leaders, and motor carriers alike: as freight markets tighten and carriers prepare for growth, access to qualified, safety-conscious drivers remains a critical business concern.

The report found that 50.66% of surveyed carriers plan to add capacity over the next twelve months. At the same time, 53.34% reported that they expect driver recruiting to become more difficult.

Taken together, those findings paint a clear picture. Many carriers are preparing for growth, but they recognize that recruiting and retaining qualified drivers may be one of the most significant challenges to achieving those plans.

FreightWaves report noted that “driver availability continues to tighten, creating a potential bottleneck” for carriers seeking to expand operations. The report further observed that only 8% of carriers expect recruiting conditions to become easier over the coming year.

For commercial driver training providers, these findings reinforce the importance of quality training programs that prepare students for long-term success. Employers are not simply looking for CDL holders; they are looking for drivers who can operate safely, meet regulatory requirements, and build sustainable careers.

The report also highlights a growing emphasis on safety throughout the freight marketplace. FreightWaves noted that, “carriers with strong safety records stand to gain market share” and that maintaining a strong safety record is increasingly important to securing business opportunities.

That trend has important implications throughout the industry. As brokers, shippers, and carriers place greater emphasis on safety performance, investments in driver preparation, compliance, and professional development become even more valuable. High-quality training helps ensure that new drivers enter the workforce prepared to meet the expectations of employers, regulators, and the motoring public.

Additionally, the report points to ongoing changes in carrier capacity resulting from federal enforcement actions affecting non-domiciled CDL holders. As capacity adjusts and freight demand strengthens, competition for qualified drivers may become increasingly important for carriers seeking sustainable growth.

For CVTA members, the message is clear: high-quality training remains essential to maintaining a strong and stable driver workforce. As carriers seek to grow while maintaining safety and operational excellence, the industry’s ability to recruit, vet, train, and retain qualified drivers will remain a key factor in meeting America’s freight transportation needs.

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association will continue working with policymakers, regulators, carriers, and training providers to strengthen pathways into the profession and ensure that prospective drivers have access to the training necessary to succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace.

Read report (Freight Waves)