The Official Blog for Penske Truck Leasing, Truck Rental and Logistics

Motor carriers, private fleets and shippers are navigating an increasingly complex operating landscape. Economic pressures, shifting demand patterns and evolving trade policies are shaping the need for transportation and warehouse capacity, and the ability to adapt to capacity fluctuations is crucial to maintaining operations.

Factors Influencing Capacity Fluctuations

Several interconnected factors influence the supply and demand for freight as well as capacity.

The Economy: Economic growth typically leads to increased demand for goods, driving up the need for transportation services and warehousing space. However, economic slowdowns or inflationary pressures can reduce consumer spending and business expansion, cooling demand for goods and slowing business growth.

Consumer Confidence: Economic optimism directly impacts consumer spending, and confident consumers are more likely to spend money on everything from clothing to cars. Consumer confidence also affects spending on services, travel and entertainment. A shift in consumer sentiment, whether positive or negative, can lead to fluctuations in freight demand.
Housing and Construction: Housing starts, existing home sales and construction are significant drivers of freight demand. On the housing side, there is an ongoing need for raw materials for new construction, as well as products for home renovations, upgrades and moving. Infrastructure improvements, such as highway and bridge construction, also fuel demand for freight.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing levels and factory output influence the amount of inbound and outbound freight at production facilities. Manufacturing can also impact the overall economy, with the National Association of Manufacturers estimating that for every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, there is a total impact of $2.64 to the overall economy.

Seasonal Surges: Trucking has a variety of peak seasons. Historically, the most notable peak typically occurs in the fall as retailers stock up for the holiday shopping season. Even though seasonal surges may be brief, they can strain capacity.

Weather Events: Severe weather events, such as hurricanes or snowstorms, can disrupt expected freight flows and create sudden spikes in demand. Consumers may rush to stock up on groceries or other essentials ahead of an event, and emergency supplies or reconstruction materials can also increase the need for trucking services.

Global Trade: Geopolitical disruptions, trade agreements, tariffs and customs regulations can impact the flow of goods, which directly influences the demand for trucking and warehousing.

Trucking Trends: Freight rates play a crucial role in influencing trucking capacity. When rates are high, new carriers may enter the market, adding capacity. As rates fall, financial pressures may increase, causing some carriers to leave the market, reducing capacity.

Solutions To Address Capacity Fluctuations

Given the significant number of variables that influence both the supply of and demand for capacity, fleets need to remain agile, especially in an uncertain operating environment.

There are several tools and strategies to help businesses prepare for capacity fluctuations:

Flexible Leases: Full-service leases provide a flexible way for fleets to replace equipment and adjust capacity without committing to long-term investments in purchased vehicles. This enables businesses to scale their operations up or down in response to demand fluctuations without the capital expenses associated with purchasing new assets.

Short-Term Access: Rental agreements can provide even more flexibility, allowing fleets to increase capacity for days, weeks or months. If longer-term needs arise, the switch to leasing becomes a welcome option.

Owned Capacity: The used truck market can offer a cost-effective alternative to new equipment for fleets that prefer to own their assets. Adding used trucks allows fleet operators to meet increased demand quickly. New equipment can come with extensive lead times, but used trucks are often readily available.

Logistics Solutions: Third-party logistics providers help businesses optimize their supply chain and ensure that they have access to the right amount of transportation and warehousing capacity when they need it. Some, like Penske, also have tools to improve efficiency, increase visibility and enable data-driven decision-making.

Brokerage Services: Freight brokers offer flexible solutions to manage capacity in real time. For shippers, brokers provide immediate access to an extensive network of vetted carriers to fill short-term or unexpected gaps in a shipper’s capacity. Brokerage can also be a valuable tool for fleets that need to access freight.




The trucking and freight transportation industries have experienced several years of low rates, excess capacity and challenging headwinds. While the freight market is beginning to stabilize, uncertainty remains. Throughout 2026, shippers and carriers will need to rely on strategic planning, disciplined asset management and flexible operations to succeed in this evolving landscape.

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A reliable and efficient solution for hauling cargo, this medium-duty box truck is ready to elevate your business operations. Want to know more about this versatile vehicle? Watch the 22 to 26 foot CDL box truck in action or browse additional highlights below.

Key Features Include:

Spacious Cargo Capacity: Up to 17,000 lbs. of payload capacity offers ample cargo space to accommodate a wide range of larger loads, making these box trucks ideal for a variety of industries.

Safety: We prioritize safety with features like anti-lock or air brakes, power steering, and more, emphasizing our commitment to the well-being of drivers, their cargo, and others on the road.

Versatility: Whether you’re in the business of local deliveries or need a reliable long-haul option, this box truck stands out for its versatility. With a spacious cargo area, this truck provides ample room for your goods and is licensed to carry more weight than our Non-CDL model.

Fuel Efficiency: At a time when sustainability is key, the 22-26 foot CDL box truck doesn’t fall short. With a focus on fuel efficiency, Penske has designed this truck to meet your operational requirements and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Save on fuel costs without compromising on performance.

Reliable Maintenance: We take pride in our well-maintained fleet, and the 22-26 foot CDL box truck is no exception. Regularly serviced and inspected, this truck offers reliability that your business can depend on. Minimize downtime and keep your operations running smoothly with Penske’s commitment to excellence in maintenance.

Efficient Loading and Unloading: Our trucks are designed for efficient loading and unloading, featuring a rear roll-up door for easy access to the cargo area, plus a curbside door option in some markets. Trucks also come equipped with cargo lighting and a translucent roof for complete visibility at all times of the day, while a liftgate or liftgate/ramp combo enhances overall workflow, reduces downtime and increases productivity.

CDL Requirement: These trucks require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), to ensure safety and compliance. We also have the 22-26 ft. box truck – Non-CDL for those without a CDL license.

Availability: We provide nationwide availability of rental trucks, allowing businesses easy access to reliable and well-maintained vehicles for their transportation needs.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a new business owner looking for a rental partner you can trust, our 22-26 foot box truck ensures the safety of your cargo while getting you where you need to go.

Visit the 22 to 26 ft Box Truck – CDL page for a closer look at this vehicle.

Regina the T-Rex – Reggie to her friends – was recently in need of transportation from her home at the TAG Art Company in Indiana to an event in Dublin, Ohio.

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