Why Shippers Are Paying More for High-Compliance Carriers in 2026
The transportation landscape has shifted dramatically over the past two years, and one trend is becoming unmistakable: shippers in 2026 are increasingly willing to pay higher rates for high-compliance, safety-focused carriers. What was once viewed as a “nice to have” has now become a critical supply chain necessity. Between tightening regulations, rising cargo theft, technology-driven visibility expectations, and record insurance claims, shippers have learned that cut-rate freight often costs more in the end. Here’s why premium, compliance-driven carriers are in such high demand—and why shippers are choosing quality over price in 2026. 1. Cargo Theft and Fraud Risks Have Exploded Cargo theft in the U.S. rose sharply during 2024 and 2025, with trends continuing upward into 2026. Organized theft rings have become more sophisticated, using fake pickups, cyber infiltration, and identity spoofing to target freight. Low-compliance carriers—those lacking safety controls, verif...