Trucking Companies and Manufacturers Unite

The past five years have felt like a rollercoaster, especially for those in manufacturing or trucking. From navigating supply chain snarls to keeping up with ever-changing costs, it's been a wild ride. But here’s the thing: we’re all on this ride together. And the only way to navigate the bumps and come out stronger is by working together.

Let's talk about what's really going on, from the rate per mile to the economic headwinds we're all facing, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

A Look at the Numbers: The Current Rate Per Mile

Wondering where trucking rates stand right now? You’re not alone. We hear this question daily. As of mid-2025, here's a snapshot of the national average spot rates:

• Dry Van: Around $2.02 per mile

• Reefer: Around $2.35 per mile

• Flatbed: Around $2.57 per mile

It's important to remember that these are national averages. Rates can and do fluctuate based on region, fuel costs, and demand. You'll also see a difference between spot rates and contract rates, with contract rates typically being a bit higher.

The Challenges We're All Facing

It's not just you; everyone’s feeling the pressure. Both manufacturers and trucking companies are dealing with a unique set of economic challenges that are making business more complex than ever before.

For Our Friends in Manufacturing:

• Supply Chain Snarls: Getting the materials you need, when you need them, continues to be a major headache. Delays and unpredictability are the new normal.

• Rising Costs: Inflation’s hit hard. The cost of raw materials, energy, and labor are all on the rise, squeezing profit margins.

• Labor Shortages: Finding skilled workers to keep production lines running is a real challenge, and it's driving up labor costs.

For Our Partners on the Road:

• The Driver Shortage: The industry is still grappling with a shortage of qualified drivers, which impacts capacity and delivery times.

• Fuel Price Fluctuations: Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for any trucking company. When prices are volatile, it's tough to budget and stay profitable.

• Keeping Up with Costs: From insurance and maintenance to new equipment, the cost of running a trucking company is higher than ever.

The Solution: Stronger Partnerships

So, what's the answer? It's simple, but it's not easy: we have to work together. The old way of doing business, where manufacturers and trucking companies operate in separate silos, just won't cut it anymore. To not just survive, but thrive, we need to build strong, collaborative partnerships.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Open and Honest Communication: Let's talk to each other. When manufacturers share their production schedules and forecasts, trucking companies can better plan their routes and capacity. When trucking companies are transparent about their challenges, manufacturers can adjust their timelines and expectations.

• Fair and Flexible Contracts: In a volatile market, we need contracts that are fair to everyone. This might mean building in flexibility to account for things like fuel price spikes or unexpected delays.

• Investing in Technology: From real-time tracking to digital invoicing, technology can help us work smarter, not harder. When we're all on the same page, we can reduce inefficiencies and improve visibility across the entire supply chain.

• Mutual Respect and Understanding: At the end of the day, we're all just people trying to do a good job. When we treat each other with respect and understanding, we build the trust that's necessary for a truly successful partnership.

The Road Ahead

These challenges will not disappear overnight. But by working together, we can build a more resilient, efficient, and profitable future for everyone. At Eagle Logistics, we're committed to being more than just a vendor; we want to be a true partner in your success.

Let's start a conversation about how we can work together to navigate the road ahead.