The heavy-duty trucking industry is simply tired of the word tariffs. The impacts on freight and truck prices are unclear, and operators are confused. Suppliers are handling the chaos and passing off extra costs in different ways as delays start to pile up. 

The heavy-duty trucking industry is confused by tariffs 

The full impact of new tariffs and shifting policies has muddied the water for the heavy-duty trucking industry. Business owners and truck fleet managers are frustrated by the chaos and changes. 

One trucker shares, “Suppliers are handling the changes in completely different ways. Some called it extremely painful, while others said it’s moderate and manageable.” 

According to Truck News, some truck and parts buyers are frustrated by the lack of transportation. They’re adding complications to planning in an environment that’s already challenging. 

For one, the cost of trucks and parts is increasing. Then, carriers and customers are also feeling negative impacts. The owner of a fleet that hauls steel for automakers lost a contract with a Canadian steel supplier due to a 25% steel tariff. 

Fleet owners aren’t getting clear pricing for semi-trucks. Original Equipment Manufacturers are estimating extra costs instead of delivering clear prices. An owner of 8,000 trailers has no idea what the cost per truck is going to be. 

Volvo isn’t fully passing the price of tariffs along to customers, but prices still increased. Also, 68% of dealers and distributors are passing the full costs along to customers. 

Budgeting is becoming a nightmare as owners try to account for constant changes. Plus, they have to source materials from new suppliers. Owners are making the best guesses possible based on the limited information they have.