Its Halftime Already - Who Will Win the Game?

he first half of 2026 has reshaped the trucking industry—but what happens next?

Today, Thom Albrecht, Karen Smerchek, and Kevin Hall take a halftime look at one of the fastest-moving freight markets in years. From tightening capacity and rising rates to driver shortages, tariffs, regulatory enforcement, and AI adoption, the panel examines the biggest stories of the year and shares their predictions for what carriers, brokers, shippers, and drivers should expect in the months ahead.

Karen shares how Veriha Trucking prepared for a market recovery, why operations have shifted from "trying not to lose" to "playing to win," and why investing in new drivers through training academies remains a long-term advantage. Kevin discusses how fleets are adapting to increased driver demand, why technology and AI are becoming essential operational tools, and how companies that improved during the downturn are best positioned to capitalize on the recovery. Thom offers insight into freight rates, banking relationships, tariffs, broker liability, and several bold predictions that could shape the industry through 2027.