The national drayage spot market index has increased by 4.8% YOY

As December begins, the U.S. drayage market is steadying after a year of shifting trade conditions, policy adjustments, and port-level investment. National drayage rates are up 4.8% year-over-year. Import volumes are expected to taper through the end of 2025, yet analysts anticipate a 2026 rebound as the destocking phase gives way to renewed restocking activity. Inventory levels across retail and manufacturing are aligning closer to real demand. For drayage providers, this signals a window to recalibrate capacity, retain drivers, and prepare for tighter schedules when volumes recover.

Infrastructure developments continue to shape the map. On the Gulf Coast, APM Terminals and the Port of Mobile have announced plans for a third berth following completion of harbor deepening, boosting capacity by 50 percent and positioning Mobile as a stronger Southeastern gateway. In contrast, the Vincent Thomas Bridge redecking project at the Port of Los Angeles will temporarily reroute more than 3,000 daily trucks through surface streets, extending turn times and compressing appointment flexibility. Both projects reflect the dual nature of infrastructure investment: short-term congestion, long-term efficiency. Drayage operators should expect localized slowdowns but ultimately smoother vessel calls and more consistent cargo flow once construction stabilizes.

Looking ahead from the start of December, U.S. container volumes are projected to soften into 2026 amid continued trade uncertainty and cautious demand outlooks. This environment limits nearterm volume growth but does not materially reduce the fixed costs associated with drayage operations. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, diesel now averages $3.68 per gallon, up from $3.49 in December 2024.