Freight runs on seasonal cycles and knowing what’s coming can help you plan smarter. Whether it’s the start of produce season, the year-end shipping rush, or post-holiday slowdowns, demand shifts fast across the calendar. 

TruckSmarter’s goal isn’t to predict every swing, but to give drivers tools that help them adapt quickly, whether the market’s tightening or opening up. This guide breaks down the key freight seasons to watch in 2025-2026 and shares insights from TruckSmarter’s free load board and Dispatch data, so you can plan your next move.

When Is Freight Peak Season?

Freight peak season typically runs from August through October, when retailers stock up for back-to-school and early holiday inventory. It’s the busiest stretch for many carriers, shippers, and logistics providers, which can lead to tighter capacity and higher rates.

Key Highlights

• Timing: Late summer to early fall, with another surge in between November and December holidays

• Industries Driving Demand: Retail, Ecommerce, manufacturing, consumer goods

• Market Impact: Tighter capacity, rising spot rates, and added time pressure

• Activity: Followed by the holiday shipping season (November–December), where last-mile and parcel freight see sharp increases

TruckSmarter POV: In a typical year, peak season has freight carriers operating at full throttle, but 2025 is proving different. Consumer prices are rising, tariffs are higher than usual levels, and demand has decreased, all of which is contributing to a muted peak season. That said, we have noticed month-over-month truckload spot rate increases from October 2025 to November 2025, as compared to 2024. So while 2025’s peak freight season is atypical, drivers can still capitalize on higher rates by being proactive and business driven.   

Seasonal Freight Calendar: Key Shipping Periods to Watch

Freight shifts with the seasons, and each season brings its own mix of challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re running solo or managing a small fleet, these seasonal insights can help you make smarter choices, from timing your maintenance to finding the right loads.

January–March: The Quiet Season

The first quarter usually starts slow as freight cools down after the holidays. With consumers spending less and businesses working through leftover inventory, loads can be harder to come by and rates tend to dip. But, the 2025-2026 market is one to watch. Recent federal policy shifts and a potential wave of non-domiciled CDL carriers exiting the industry are shifting capacity dynamics in ways that could create openings for some drivers. That said, here’s what Q1 typically looks like: 

Season Indicators

• Post-holiday slowdown in consumer spending

• Lower shipping demand across most sectors

• Weather delays

• More competition for available loads

This stretch is a good time to take stock: schedule maintenance, organize your finances, and reconnect with brokers. When freight starts to rebound, those relationships often lead to the first calls and better opportunities.

April–July: Produce Season

Spring and early summer is produce season, when agricultural freight picks up as fresh goods move from farms to stores. Reefer demand climbs and dry van freight stays steady as manufacturers gear up for Q3. Alongside produce, construction freight starts to climb during this stretch. Flatbed and specialized carriers move more steel, lumber, and equipment as building projects ramp up nationwide. 

Season Indicators

• High reefer demand from farms and grocers

• Increasing flatbed demand as construction projects ramp up

• Consistent freight volumes and longer hauls

• Rising fuel consumption as miles increase

• Early buildup for back-to-school season

Staying efficient is key for owner operators. Fuel cards help manage rising costs, but so does planning smart routes, keeping steady loads, and maintaining cash flow as demand and mileage climb.

August–October: Freight Peak Season

This is the busiest time of the year for most carriers. Retailers and manufacturers are stocking up for Q4, and shippers are willing to pay premium rates to move freight on schedule. Construction freight also plays a role here with building projects and roadwork peaking. Many drivers balance peak retail demand with steady construction runs to keep miles consistent.

Season Indicators

• Back-to-school and holiday inventory surges

• Increased manufacturing output

• High flatbed and specialized demand driven by construction activity

• Nationwide capacity constraints

• Rising spot rates and competitive bidding

Owner operators who plan ahead and keep solid broker connections see the best results this time of year. Dispatch, TruckSmarter’s AI-powered assistant, helps keep those relationships running smoothly by handling the time consuming parts of the job, like calls and confirmations, so you can focus on driving and staying in touch when it matters most.

November–December: Holiday Shipping Season

The final stretch of the year brings a rush of Ecommerce, retail, and last-mile deliveries. Freight volume spikes, and many carriers stay busier than ever, but with that demand comes tight delivery windows and added risk.

Season Indicators

• Urgent, time-sensitive loads

• High parcel and last-mile demand

• Increased winter weather disruptions

• Premium pay for expedited freight

How to Navigate Seasonal Freight Challenges

Freight markets shift constantly, but planning around these cycles can help you stay profitable year-round.

1. Plan Ahead Based on Seasonal Trends

Use your past data to spot your best seasons and plan accordingly.

• Schedule downtime or maintenance in slower months

• Monitor weather patterns, build buffer times, and identify alternative routes in case of weather delays

• Identify your most profitable lanes

• Build relationships with shippers or brokers who value consistency

• Secure contract rates before the market tightens

• Pro tip: TruckSmarter members can check out our Supply & Demand Heatmap to spot where loads are picking up before the rest of the market does.

No matter where you run (local routes or long hauls) planning around seasonal freight patterns can help keep your income steady and your miles efficient.

2. Adjust Your Freight Strategy Throughout the Year

Freight is always on the move. Adapting your approach each season helps you stay competitive, spot new opportunities, and make the most of every market shift.

• Stay flexible to take advantage of spot market spikes during peak season (weather can strike at any time and create urgent freight needs)

• Use fuel programs to offset diesel costs

• Optimize routes to cut down on deadhead miles

A flexible strategy keeps your business strong, no matter how the market moves.

3. Build Strong Broker Relationships

Time and time again, TruckSmarter members tell us that relationships drive this business. The best loads often go to carriers who’ve proven themselves reliable, and not just during peak season, but year-round.

According to drivers, here’s what solid broker partnerships can unlock:

• Priority access to high-paying or time-sensitive loads

• Consistent work during off-peak months

• Faster communication and fewer delays when issues arise

• Long-term trust that can lead to better rates and repeat business

Even small gestures (consistent check-ins, professional communication, or quick paperwork turnaround) make a difference. Over time, brokers remember who made their jobs easier, and that pays off in opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal freight cycles are a fact of life in trucking. The key isn’t trying to predict the market, it’s preparing for it. No one can control market cycles, but every driver can control how they prepare for them. That’s what TruckSmarter is built for, making it easier to navigate the highs and lows of freight. By planning ahead, building strong relationships, and using tools that make your work more efficient, you can stay flexible and profitable year round.

From our free load board to Dispatch, TruckSmarter’s tools are built to save you time and keep you moving. Whatever the season brings, staying organized and adaptable keeps you ready for the next load and the next opportunity. Join TruckSmarter today and try Dispatch free for 30 days—less time on calls, more time on the road.