A roundup of freight market trends, industry insights, helpful blogs, and company updates from RCS.
Freight rates remain relatively soft as the market enters the first quarter of 2026. Post-holiday demand has eased across most lanes, creating opportunities for shippers to move freight with greater pricing flexibility. While spot rates continue to face downward pressure, contract pricing has remained largely stable as shippers and carriers focus on consistency and service reliability early in the year.
Capacity across the market is currently balanced, with adequate carrier availability following the holiday peak. Many carriers are actively positioning for Q1 freight volumes, allowing shippers more flexibility in scheduling and planning shipments. Proactive communication and early forecasting can help secure dependable capacity as seasonal demand begins to normalize.
January typically marks a slower freight period as supply chains reset after year-end activity. While overall volume is lower, weather-related disruptions can still impact transit times in certain regions. Shippers planning ahead and accounting for regional seasonality will be better positioned to avoid delays and maintain service levels.
Softer market conditions present an opportunity for shippers to reassess strategies and strengthen long-term partnerships. With capacity more readily available, early planning and clear communication can help improve service consistency while managing costs. Shippers who use this time to evaluate lanes, forecast demand, and align with reliable freight partners are often better prepared when market conditions tighten again.
Choosing the right freight broker can directly impact your shipping costs, transit times, and risk exposure. In 2026, with capacity fluctuations, rising fraud, and tighter delivery windows, shippers need more than just a low rate — they need reliability, transparency, and protection. This guide breaks down exactly what shippers should look for in a freight broker, how to avoid costly mistakes, and why companies partner long-term with RCS Freight Services.
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We closed out 2025 by bringing our team together for our annual RCS holiday celebration. It was a great opportunity to reflect on a busy year, recognize the hard work of our team, and thank everyone who contributed to our growth. As we move into the new year, we’re excited to continue building strong partnerships and supporting shippers with reliable, responsive freight solutions in 2026.