The new year is almost upon us, and if you’re considering training for your commercial driver’s license and becoming a part of the trucking industry, you might be wondering how 2026 is looking for this career path. There are a lot of factors that could play a role in how next year turns out; let’s break down a few of them.

CDL Industry Trends to Expect in 2026

Emissions and Regulations

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a rule that require significant reductions in criteria pollutants like nitrogen oxide emitted from passenger and commercial vehicles starting in 2027. The goal was to reduce tailpipe emissions by nearly 50% by 2032, and the regulation has loomed large over the trucking industry since its finalization. Very recently, however, the EPA has announced plans to delay enforcing the rule for two additional years as they assess whether to revoke the rule entirely. The back and forth and muddied messaging behind EPA 2027 has led to a lot of confusion and delayed commitments.

Rebalanced Capacities

Orders for new Class 8 trucks are down significantly year over year, meaning that fewer new trucks are entering the market due to decreases in freight demand. Carriers are countering this dip by prioritizing efficiency and utilizing equipment on-hand rather than expansion. That dip is not expected to continue through 2026, however, and we’ll likely see rising freight demands clashing with capacity limitations. This will swing the supply-demand cycle back in favor of carriers and drivers.

Nearshoring

Nearshoring is the practice where companies shift production closer—in our case, closer to the U.S.—and the rise of nearshoring is driving new freight opportunities. Already, fleets of trucks are moving hundreds of loads between the U.S. and Mexico every day, which provides supply chain stability and reduced lead time. For the companies, it can lower costs, mitigate risks, and improve quality control.

Tech Adoption and Automation

Especially for incoming CDL drivers, it’s important to be aware of how tech advancements are altering how transportation gets done. Carriers and owner-operators are seeing the myriad benefits that can come from using algorithmic technology to optimize their routes, match freight, automate back-office systems, leverage predictive pricing, and provide more efficiencies for dispatchers. People who are looking to train to get behind the wheel need to be aware of these digital shifts and select training programs that ready them to utilize these tools. The move toward “smart” trucks and semi-autonomous driving is also on the horizon, although how much farther we progress down this path in 2026 remains to be seen.

Housing Stabilization

Historically, a better housing market can predict a stronger trucking industry, and there are signs that we’ll see improvements here in 2026. Mortgage rates are stabilizing and the backlog is clearing, which means we’ll likely see more construction freight, increased demand for building materials, and greater opportunities.

Diesel and Green Energy

Trucks don’t leave the lot without fuel, and exactly what truckers are using to power their rigs remains a major factor on the industry in the coming year. Diesel is the traditional fuel source, although it can be more costly and cause a budget squeeze. Diesel markets are expected to stabilize, but the growing consumer push toward greener, more sustainable energy sources might open up cheaper opportunities in electric or even solar power.

Driver Shortages

This one is key for prospective CDL students. Right now, the U.S. is experiencing a nationwide shortage of truck drivers, with 56% of freight businesses concerned about staffing and 69% saying staffing shortages have impacted their ability to meet demand. With our economy and our society dependent on the work of truckers, this makes it a career field where there is strong demand for skilled applicants. The trucking industry right now is definitely a job-seeker friendly market.

Get Behind the Wheel at ASC

Training for your CDL is a smart career move for 2026, and ASC Technical Institute in El Paso, Texas, can help you get started. Our 8-week Truck Driving CDL program prioritizes time behind the wheel, getting the experience and knowledge you need. If you are interested in learning more, ASC Technical Institute is here to help. Learn more about our Truck Driving CDL Program today to get started

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