Tech.co’s 2025 Logistics Report revealed that among U.S. freight companies impacted by driver shortages, 67% rely on third-party carriers at least occasionally.
Only 8% of freight companies affected by driver shortages say they operate entirely in-house, suggesting a clear majority are relying on outside help due to the current labor crisis.
“In logistics today, it's third parties that are propping up the industry, as our research has shown. With driver shortages affecting 69% of companies' ability to meet demand, this reliance shows a real weak spot, leaving many firms potentially vulnerable,” says Tech.co’s editor, Jack Turner.
Key takeaways:
· 63% of U.S. freight businesses say driver recruitment and retention has stagnated or worsened in the past year. Only 11% report any significant improvement, highlighting just how entrenched the issue is.
· The majority (69%) of respondents say driver shortages have impacted their ability to meet freight demand.
· Just over half (51%) of transport and shipping professionals say driver constraints have occasionally or frequently impacted their ability to meet customer expectations. Only 13% of respondents say their customer expectation has not been affected.
· Top concerns about driver shortage among U.S. freight companies include service disruptions or delivery failures: 24%; increased labor costs: 23%; missed growth opportunities: 18%; supply chain inflexibility: 14%; brand or customer reputation damage: 9%; and safety or compliance risks: 7%.
· Among U.S. freight businesses impacted by driver shortages, service disruptions and delivery failures were the top concern.
· The data shows that once impacted, concern escalates across multiple freight business fronts, suggesting that the driver shortage is a pressure multiplier.
