Vehicle maintenance prioritized to offset major unforeseen disruptions

New survey data by Tech.co has revealed that nearly a quarter (22%) of U.S. logistics businesses are prioritizing vehicle upkeep, at a time when major unforeseen disruptions have caused a spike in operational pressure.

Operational pressure spikes in February

Tech.co has been tracking operational pressure within the logistics industry since April 2025 by monitoring levels of freight demand, issue severity and business stance across surveyed logistics firms.

This ‘Operational Pressure Index’ reached its highest figure (44) in February 2026, highlighting a recent spike in operational pressure felt across U.S. logistics businesses.

Major unforeseen disruptions cause a spike in operational strain

Tech.co’s findings show that major unforeseen disruptions have been the root cause of increased operational pressure, as 30% of logistics businesses said major unforeseen disruptions caused a spike in operational pressure.

Severe weather could have also contributed to such a significant jump in this metric, as ‘Storm Fern’ encompassed the South and North-East of the U.S. in January, disrupting the freight market.

Preventative maintenance becomes top priority

At a time when major unforeseen disruptions are piling on operational pressure, 70% of U.S. logistics firms that are prioritizing vehicle upkeep have been focusing on preventative maintenance as their top vehicle upkeep measure in February 2026.

Top 5 vehicle upkeep measures currently being implemented:

(by popularity amongst U.S. logistics businesses)

• Preventative maintenance (70%)
• Addressing mechanical issues (52%)
• Upgrading/replacing components (51%)
• Ensuring safety compliance (49%)
• Improving fuel efficiency (40%)

Fleets face more knock-on effects from unforeseen disruptions:

• Vehicle upkeep expenses: Vehicle upkeep rose by 3 percentage points from January to February 2026, and has maintained itself as the top priority while harsh weather damaged trucks and forced companies to spend more on maintenance.
• Labor challenges: February saw a rise in poor working conditions as drivers were subjected to harsher driving conditions and potentially longer hours due to unpredictable delays.
• Higher insurance costs: More road accidents have raised the price of insurance

Tech.co’s Editor, Jack Turner, comments: “The latest data from Tech.co's research shows preventative maintenance is now a top priority for 70% of logistics firms. This signals a transition from reactive crisis management to strategic preservation.

With the industry currently volatile, we're seeing companies are taking steps to invest now and protect themselves in the future. The move is an essential one, as companies look to maintain some semblance of control where they can, in the face of ever more challenges and disruption to the supply chain.”

The state of U.S. logistics in February 2026:

(according to Tech.co’s February Logistics Pulse Index*)

Operational Pressure Score: High

Growth vs. Stability Stance: Stabilizing

Freight Demand Levels: Medium