Tariffs. Trade. Capacity Stress. Business Closures. How Pure Freight Lines Stays Afloat in a Sinking Market

Tariffs. Trade. Capacity Stress. Business Closures.How Pure Freight Lines Stays Afloat in a Sinking Market

2025 has been nothing short of punishing for the trucking industry.

Spot rates have crashed to near-record lows — with dry van rates hovering around $1.60–$1.80 per mile, according to DAT Freight & Analytics. Imports have declined.

Consumer demand is soft. And a fresh wave of tariffs — some ranging from 100% to 245% on Chinese goods — is putting serious pressure on supply chains.

Major companies like Cummins and Ford have pulled their forecasts. Freight volumes are shrinking. And every week, more small carriers shut their doors.

We are in the middle of a freight recession — and the spot market is its most visible casualty.

Why So Many Are Struggling

It’s not just one thing — it’s everything:

• Too many trucks. Not enough freight.

• Volatile rates with no floor

• Operating costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance) climbing

• Tariffs slamming import-heavy sectors like automotive and electronics

For small carriers and owner-operators who leaned heavily on the spot market, the crash came fast and hit hard. Once payments fall behind, it's often too late to recover.

What It Takes to Survive

At Pure Freight Lines, we’ve seen markets rise and fall. What gets us through every time is one principle:

Stay committed to dedicated freight. Stay committed to your people.

We’ve built our business around long-term stability, not short-term wins.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Dedicated USPS mail lanes

• Year-round contract freight

• Strong partnerships with drivers, owner-operators, and dispatchers

• Minimal reliance on the spot market

• Consistent pay and predictable miles

When the market crashes, we don’t gamble — we double down on what works.

A Message to Drivers and Owner-Operators

If you're out there chasing spot freight, hoping the rates rebound — it might be time to rethink the game plan.

Now more than ever, consistency beats chance. You deserve:

• Predictable miles

• Stable, transparent pay

• Support from a company that plans for the bad times — not just the good

At Pure, we’re not scrambling to stay afloat. We’ve been building for this moment.

Join a Team Built for the Long Haul

We know what it takes to stay standing when the market sinks. Our model is built to last, and we want our partners and drivers to thrive with us.

Ready to get off the spot market rollercoaster? Visit www.drive4pure.com or call 312-724-8787 (option 2) to learn how we keep rolling — no matter the market.

Thank you,