Shipping & Freight #jb hunt#freight recession
J.B. Hunt Warns Freight Rate Rally Still in Early Innings as Costs Outpace Contract Rates
J.B. Hunt's over-the-road segment posted a Q2 loss despite five consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, as spot rates surged roughly 40% year-over-year. According to FreightWaves, SVP Josh Fellin said the rally is supply-driven but the magnitude reflects four years of margin erosion, with operating costs per mile up 48-60% since 2019 while contract rates rose only 5-6%. The recovery is in 'early innings' and full contract-rate repair will require at least one more bid season, with driver pay set for another significant step up in 2025-2027.
Jul 30, 2026 1 source