Cautious Optimism Among Shippers for 2026: New Survey Insights

As the logistics landscape evolves, shippers are entering 2026 with a mix of optimism and caution. A recent survey conducted by Averitt reveals that while many professionals in the supply chain are hopeful about future shipping volumes, they remain grounded in their expectations.

Survey Overview

In Averitt’s annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey, over 1,000 logistics, supply chain, and procurement experts across North America shared their thoughts on upcoming shipping trends. The findings indicate a general belief in increased shipping volumes, albeit at a modest rate.

Shipping Volume Predictions

According to the survey, only about 59% of respondents anticipate an increase in shipping volumes next year, marking the lowest level of positive outlook recorded in the past decade. Meanwhile, 37% believe volumes will remain stable, and a mere 3.6% expect a decline. This suggests a cautious sentiment as organizations prepare for various market conditions.

Strategic Planning Amidst Challenges

The mixed outlook reflects businesses’ readiness to navigate challenges rather than brace for a downturn. With capacity remaining tight and execution risks looming large, many companies are adopting a more prudent planning approach.

Impact of Tariffs

A significant 55% of survey respondents reported that tariffs have negatively impacted their operations. Conversely, only a small portion indicated a positive effect, with a considerable number remaining uncertain about tariffs’ overall implications. This highlights the ongoing complexities that shippers face in their operational strategies.

Expert Commentary

“Shippers aren’t pulling back, but they are planning differently,” stated Kent Williams, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Averitt. “What we’re seeing is confidence with guardrails. Organizations still expect demand to hold, but they’re building strategies around execution risk, tariff pressure, and reduced margin for error rather than assuming ideal conditions.”

Conclusion

As we move towards 2026, it’s clear that while shippers remain hopeful, they are adopting a more strategic and cautious approach to ensure resilience in an ever-changing supply chain environment. This balance between optimism and pragmatism will be crucial for navigating the challenges ahead.