U.S. economic uncertainty fuels fluctuating freight demands

• 63% of U.S. logistic businesses say economic conditions are the primary driver of changing freight demand

• 63% of U.S. logistic businesses report an increase in demand over the past year

• 91% of U.S. logistic businesses say America’s economy depends on fast, affordable, reliable freight movement

Tech.co’s 2025 Logistics Report has revealed that the majority (63%) of U.S. logistic businesses say economic conditions are the primary driver of changing freight demand.

Top 5 factors impacting freight demand (according to survey respondents)

1. Economic conditions: 63%

2. Supply chain disruptions: 48%

3. E-commerce growth: 36%

4. Seasonal shifts: 32%

5. Policy changes: 24%

A clear majority (63%) of respondents cite economic conditions as the primary driver of changing freight demand for their business.

From inflation, interest rates, new tariffs, to shifting consumer spending habits, U.S. logistic businesses are having to work harder to adapt to recent industry changes.

But disruptions aren’t over yet - as almost half (48%) of respondents say supply chain disruptions are driving changes in their freight demand.

While slightly lower in priority, 36% of respondents say e-commerce growth is a major driver of freight change, showing that the E-commerce boom, along with consumer expectations for fast, affordable delivery, still persist.

Recent surge in U.S. freight demand

The survey of 521 professionals across the U.S. logistic industry has highlighted a recent surge in freight demand.

A staggering 63% of respondents report an increase in demand over the past year.

24% of surveyed freight professionals say demand has increased significantly over the past twelve months, whereas just 14% of respondents saw a decline in demand.

U.S. economy relies on reliable freight movement

Though economic uncertainty is having the greatest effect on freight demand, it appears this impact can work both ways.

Almost all (91%) of surveyed logistic businesses agree that America’s economy depends on fast, affordable, reliable freight movement.

Freight bottlenecks are no longer just day-to-day challenges, they now threaten overall business continuity.

The pressure to modernize freight systems has become essential. It’s not just about maximizing efficiency, but also about protecting economic stability.

Tech.co’s Editor, Jack Turner, comments: “The logistics industry is facing a double-edged sword right now. Demand is up, but economic conditions are unstable, those in the sector have told us. With the ongoing tariff uncertainty, it’s proving a tumultuous time, but, as our research has found, there is hope, with tech solutions providing some much needed aid during this time.”