As 2025 ends, brokers and forwarders are reflecting on a turbulent year and preparing for what’s next. The logistics industry continues to evolve under the weight of labor shortages, shifting trade policies, sustainability demands, and digital-first client expectations.

For customs brokers and freight forwarders, success in 2026 won’t just be about moving goods, it will be about staying compliant, scaling efficiently, and delivering trusted service in an environment that rewards resilience and proactive planning.

The Driver Shortage Isn’t Going Away

The U.S. trucking industry faces a shortage of more than 80,000 drivers, a gap expected to persist into 2026 (Wayfindr, 2025). Warehousing and back-office staffing are also under strain. Delayed trucking means missed clearance cut-offs and pressure to resubmit entries. Limited trucking capacity drives higher costs and more client escalations.

Portway’s role: We help manage the back-office ripple effects, from exception handling to rescheduled CAD filings, so your teams don’t get buried when the wheels slow down.

Trucking Growth, But with Limits

While trucking is projected to grow 4.4% in 2026, largely driven by healthcare and pharma freight, carriers are cautious. ACT Research notes they’re focusing on maintaining assets instead of expanding fleets. Volatility in trucking timelines puts more pressure on filing accuracy and proactive client communication. Inconsistent ground capacity risks missed sailings and longer dwell times.

Portway’s role: Our surge staffing model flexes with demand, helping you scale without overextending permanent headcount.

Sustainability & Green Compliance Take Center Stage

Environmental regulations and green surcharges are becoming the norm across shipping lanes. Analysts note that 2026 will see carriers embed sustainability costs into baseline pricing, while also tightening reporting requirements. Expect new documentation requirements around emissions reporting and supply chain visibility. Clients will lean on you to explain rising green costs and recommend sustainable carriers.

Portway’s role: We help manage documentation and reporting workflows, ensuring compliance with new standards and freeing your team to focus on client strategy.

Trade Policy & Market Volatility

While a recent U.S.–China tariff pause provided some relief, analysts warn of continuing unpredictability in trade lanes. House of Shipping predicts container markets could swing between overcapacity and congestion well into 2026. Constant changes in tariff schedules and duty rates increase the risk of misclassification and non-compliance. Sudden cost swings make capacity planning harder and force client conversations about landed costs.

Portway’s role: Our team supports you with tariff monitoring, overflow classification, and documentation review, ensuring accuracy even when the rules shift mid-year.

Rising Client Expectations in a Digital Era

Clients in 2026 will expect more than cleared freight, they’ll demand real-time visibility, proactive communication, and strategic insights. There is a highlight on near-shoring, sustainability, and digital-first operations as core logistics trends going forward (Global CFS, 2025).

Portway’s role: We act as an extension of your team, handling client updates, reporting, and exception communication, so you consistently deliver the visibility client’s demand.

The year ahead will test brokers and forwarders with labor shortages, policy shifts, sustainability pressures, and rising client expectations. But it also presents opportunities: those who plan ahead and leverage flexible support will stand out as trusted, resilient partners.

By working with Portway International, you gain the scalable, reliable back-office support needed to stay compliant, manage volatility, and deliver superior service without burning out your teams.

Start 2026 prepared! Contact Portway today to build your resilience strategy.

References List

1. Wayfindr. (2025). Why the US truck driver shortage matters for global logistics. Retrieved from https://wayfindr.io/blogs/why-us-truck-driver-shortage-matter-global-logistics/
2. TransPlus. (2025). Trucking industry trends and projections for 2026. Retrieved from https://www.transplus.io/blog/trucking-industry-trends-and-projections-for-2026
3. ACT Research. (2025, August). Trucking industry forecast for 2026. Retrieved from https://www.actresearch.net/resources/blog/trucking-industry-forecast-for-2026
4. Conqueror Network. (2025, July 28). Ocean freight trends 2026: What forwarders need to know. Retrieved from https://www.conquerornetwork.com/blog/2025/07/28/ocean-freight-trends-2026
5. House of Shipping. (2025, August). Shipping news week 32 – 2025. Retrieved from https://houseofshipping.com/shipping-news-week32-2025
6. Global CFS. (2025, August). 2026 outlook: Trends shaping the future of logistics and transportation. Retrieved from https://globalcfs.com/2026-outlook-trends-shaping-the-future-of-logistics-and-transportation

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