Export markets are drying up — truckers, this one’s gonna bite our lanes.
News flash from the farms: exports for a lot of crops have fallen off and federal safety-net programs have gotten smaller during the president’s second term. Translation for us on the road? Less grain, soy, and other ag freight moving long-haul — and more pressure on pay and load availability. 🌾🚚
Here’s what to watch for on your next runs:
- 📉 Fewer loads, softer rates: When export demand drops, shippers cut shipments. Expect more competition for the remaining ag loads and downward pressure on freight rates in traditional farm-to-port lanes.
- 🛣️ More empty miles and deadhead: With fewer outbound loads from rural elevators, backhauls get harder to find. Plan for more deadhead or shift to nearby freight hubs when harvest slows.
- 💸 Cash-flow headaches for smaller carriers: Farmers feeling the pinch may delay payments or pick cheaper carriers. Keep tabs on who you book with and get payment terms in writing.
- ⛽️ Fuel matters more: Lower rates + longer deadheads = slimmer margins. Lock in fuel surcharges or negotiate per-mile adjustments to protect pay when prices move.
- 🔧 Equipment and maintenance risks: If farms or small carriers tighten belts, expect delayed maintenance or used-equipment churn. That can mean more engine or trailer issues rolling down the road.
- 📦 Shifts in lanes and opportunities: Some haulers will pivot to local/domestic hauling, fertilizers, feed, or even non-ag freight. Keep your broker contacts active and look for short regional runs that cut deadhead.
Quick tips from other drivers:
- Call ahead to elevators and co-ops — confirm volumes before you run.
- Negotiate fuel surcharges and quick-pay options when possible.
- Diversify lanes if you can — regional freight hubs or intermodal backhauls may be steadier.
- Watch local auctions and repossessions — they can flood the used-truck market and affect resale values if you’re buying/selling.
Bottom line: this isn’t just about farmers — it changes the freight flow we rely on. Stay flexible, protect your pay, and line up backhaul options before you head into rural lanes. 🔍
Share your take — saw changes on your routes? Know this before your next haul.
#TruckersLife #AgFreight #FreightRates #KnowBeforeYouHaul