The freight market is showing unmistakable signs of recovery, but for large carriers, the good news comes with a significant catch. As van and flatbed volumes surge and rejection rates climb, the very conditions driving optimism are making it increasingly difficult for major fleets to recruit and retain drivers.
According to a recent SONAR Sitrep report, van volumes are currently 6.4% above the six-month average, and flatbed demand volumes have skyrocketed +77% compared to the prior period.
When freight volumes are robust, drivers prioritize higher-paying, higher-quality roles.
At the same time, the April 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics employment report delivered a headline gain of 4,300 truck transportation jobs –the largest single-month increase in nearly three years.
This is tilting the scales of power back toward the drivers, who now have more employment choices than in years prior. The competition is especially fierce for large fleets who are increasingly forced to pay a premium to maintain their headcount as capacity signals tighten organization-wide.
Don’t get caught off guard
Understanding the granular breakdown of demand by mode, the mode-specific pressures on flatbed capacity, and the multi-trillion dollar investment trajectories is critical for any transportation professional.
Discover the full ground-level logistics impact of the driver recruitment race. Sign up for SONAR today or request a demo here to read the full Sitrep and access our library of freight intelligence reports.
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now