Two out of every three US freight firms say that tariff changes have already impacted their businesses, a new Tech.co survey has revealed.
Not only do 66% of the hundreds of respondents in our new logistics report say tariffs have already affected them, but another 58% say they are taking measures to prepare for soaring vehicle and equipment costs that those tariffs will bring.
Much of the impact of the new tariff changes — which include a huge 145% tax on China-US imports in addition to significant increases for imports from dozens of other international ports and the removal of China’s de minimis exemption on packages worth $800 or less — is still to come. However, plenty of logistics companies are already preparing for the worst.
2 in Every 3 US Logistics Firms Are Already Affected by Tariff Changes
Tech.co’s latest survey was conducted in April 2025 and polled 260 professionals working within the US transport and shipping sector. Over half (58%) of these US logistics firms said that they expected spikes in vehicle and equipment costs, while one out of every four (25%) said they were not, and 17% were unsure.
Firms were all over the map when it came to the level of impact that they’ve felt from the new tariff changes out from the current US administration: 10% said they were “extremely” affected, 11% said they were “significantly” affected, and 22% said they were “moderately” affected, with another 23% merely “slightly” affected.
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In contrast, 23% said they were “not at all” affected, while 11% weren’t sure if they were or not. Still, the total of 66% who say they are already impacted is noteworthy, given that the bulk of the impact of the tariffs is projected to begin hitting US businesses by May or June.
Tensions are already high when it comes to financial success, with the rising cost of diesel fuel alone ranking as the single biggest issue for 23% of US freight firms in operation today. Add in the labor shortage, and it’s clearly a turbulent time for the industry.
Firms Are Reducing Operational Costs
“Managing financial pressures” was among the most common responses given by the logistics firms that Tech.co polled, when asked about their top priority for this quarter. Over one in five (21%) firms picking this above every other issue, putting it second overall, ahead of every other issue except vehicle upkeep (23%).
What are the top ways that firms are dealing with their money issues? Among those who are most concerned with their financial well-being right now, the biggest steam valve they plan to open up is a reduction in operational costs, with 46% saying they intend to trim some costs related to operations in the very near future.
Other options include developing new revenue streams and negotiating better rates with business partners. Here’s the full list:
- 46% to reduce operational costs
- 30% to diversify services or explore new revenue streams
- 32% to negotiate better rates with shippers
- 29% to seek financing or restructuring debt
- 21% to negotiate better insurance premiums
- 21% to improve invoicing & payment processing
The Full Impact of Tariffs Remains is Yet to Come
In March, the American Trucking Associations warned that tariffs may inflate the price of a new truck by $35,000.
“Not only will tariffs reduce cross-border freight, but they will also increase operational costs. The price tag of a new truck could rise by up to $35,000, amounting to a $2 billion annual tax and putting new equipment out of reach for small carriers.” -American Trucking Associations
Our survey found that freight availability does not yet appear to be a problem. 41% of respondents said they had “about the right amount” of freight available for them or their company to haul, while an additional 34% said they had “more than enough.”
We’ll check again in the near future, given predictions that the bulk of the impact will be felt across May and June in a “cliff event” similar to the early months of Covid.
