C.H. Robinson Edge Report flags tightening freight capacity as transportation costs rise

C.H. Robinson published its August 2026 Edge Report, flagging tighter capacity, rising transport costs and trade-policy shifts as key freight-market risks.

• Truckload capacity tightening is driving planning strain, while LTL costs are rising, increasing pressure on transportation budgets.
• Softer ocean demand is improving shipper flexibility in some lanes, though constraints persist; air-freight tightness is becoming more origin-specific.
• Cross-border capacity in Mexico is tightening on stricter B-1 visa enforcement, English-language requirements and tighter freight-document scrutiny.
• A new Section 301 tariff framework, USMCA uncertainty and diesel volatility could add cost swings, complicate freight and sourcing decisions.