US truckers and trucking companies are warning we’re in the middle of a freight recession worse than the 2008 crisis. As retail sales drop, and both manufacturing and import activity continue to slow down due to lower consumer demand in 2023, the road transportation industry is seeing orders being cut in half, leading to falling cargo volumes all across the country.
The collapse was the word used by one industry CEO to define what just happened to freight rates, and that is putting several trucking companies at serious risk of bankruptcy. But according to Western States Trucking Association, the ongoing downturn in the freight market is only a sign something far more distressing is about to break out in America.
When the health crisis locked people at home and Americans started to order more goods online, the freight market boomed, and rates shot up by up to 500% in some areas. But things have started to cool off in 2022, and since then, per-mile rates have been plunging at the fastest pace on record.
By November, prices were already nearing pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, higher maintenance prices, as well as an increase in the cost of capital, and other difficulties in operating have resulted in a brutal mix for a notoriously cyclical industry — one that has the potential to be worse than famous trucking downturns experienced in 2019 and in 2008-09.
Today, instead of a shortage, the freight market is flooded with thousands of small-scale owner-operators and carriers of all sizes. But the threat of a deep recession is now reducing demand for goods, and as a result, cargo volumes are plunging all over the US. On top of that, data provided by Freight Waves shows that the per-mile rate fell to $1.49. At the peak of the boom in 2021, drivers were pulling in as much as $3.01 per mile. This means that freight rates declined by 52% so far, and could go even lower in the months ahead.
This means that there is far less money to be made in the sector. For those who made high investments to be able to enter the industry and profit from the boom, this may be just the beginning of a financial disaster. Since December, thousands of small carriers have revoked their operating authority, and bankruptcies started to arise in the truckload industry.
To make things worse, a recent CNBC supply chain survey that analyzed inventories and warehouse space tracked a decrease in truck movements in and out of the warehouse, revealed that ocean freight orders are down 50% year over year and that will keep impacting both rail and road Transportation in the short and long run, with trucking executives calling it “freight recession.”This along with a 40% decrease in manufacturing orders, are very bad news for the freight market.
The economic recession that is now upon us is going to shake entire industries to the core, millions of layoffs are expected, and economic and financial uncertainty will only grow worse. The crisis that is now unfolding before us will be unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, and the freight market meltdown is just one of the multiple indicators that something is terribly wrong in our system and that the dominoes have already started to fall.
Article and video cross-posted from Epic Economist.
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Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
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The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
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Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
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Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
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Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.