New Data Shows Significant Truck Driver Purge

Revised employment figures reveal a much larger loss of trucking jobs than previously reported, signaling a tighter capacity environment ahead.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Newly released federal employment data shows the trucking industry has shed significantly more jobs than previously estimated over the past two years. The revised numbers indicate a loss of over 122,000 truck driver positions since the industry's peak in October 2022 - nearly 50,000 more than initial reports. Experts suggest this purge of drivers could lead to a more sensitive capacity environment and higher freight rates in 2026.

Why it matters

The trucking industry has faced a challenging freight recession and driver surplus in recent years, putting downward pressure on rates. However, these revised employment figures suggest the capacity crunch may be more severe than expected, which could have significant implications for shippers, carriers, and consumers in the year ahead.

The details

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest report shows the trucking industry lost 28,000 jobs in 2025, eight times the 3,500 decrease initially reported. In 2024, the revised data indicates a loss of 41,000 drivers, more than double the previous estimate. Experts attribute the larger-than-expected purge to factors like the collapse of Yellow Corp. and new federal regulations that could displace up to 200,000 drivers.

  • The trucking industry reached peak employment of nearly 1,589,000 in October 2022.
  • From October 2022 to December 2025, the industry has shed over 122,000 truck driver positions, nearly 50,000 more than initially reported.
  • In 2025, the industry lost 28,000 jobs, eight times the 3,500 decrease first reported.
  • In 2024, the industry lost 41,000 jobs, more than double the previous estimate.

The players

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The federal agency that released the revised employment data for the trucking industry.

Yellow Corp.

A major trucking company that collapsed, contributing to the loss of over 50,000 driver jobs in 2023.

David Spencer

Vice president of market intelligence at Arrive Logistics, who suggested the capacity environment remains highly sensitive to disruption.

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What they’re saying

“While other leading indicators already suggest larger and more sustained disruptions are likely in 2026, these revisions provide strong supporting evidence for that outlook.”

— David Spencer, Vice President of Market Intelligence (Arrive Logistics)

What’s next

Experts will be closely monitoring the ongoing capacity and rate trends in the trucking industry as the economy continues to evolve in 2026.

The takeaway

The significant purge of truck drivers revealed by the revised employment data suggests the freight capacity crunch may be more severe than previously understood, potentially leading to higher rates and more volatility for shippers in the year ahead.