The phrase “Carriers are expanding capacity – but brokers can’t afford to relax” reflects the current dynamics in the European freight and logistics market, which can be paralleled with the wolf population debate in terms of managing growth and competition. Just as wolf populations have surged, creating tension between conservationists and farmers, the freight industry faces its own balancing act. Carriers, like wolves reclaiming territory, are increasing their capacity to meet rising demand, but brokers, akin to farmers navigating livestock losses, must stay vigilant to maintain their edge in a volatile market.
Recent reports indicate that carriers in Europe, particularly in trucking and air freight, are expanding capacity in response to shifting trade patterns, such as nearshoring to Mexico and Southeast Asia due to U.S.-China trade tensions. For instance, cross-border carriers like C.H. Robinson have capitalized on tariff-driven rerouting, while air cargo demand grew 1.5% year-over-year in Q2 2025, driven by e-commerce hubs. However, this expansion comes amid challenges: long-haul truckload demand has dropped 25% year-over-year, and intermodal capacity has grown significantly since 2020, offering cheaper but slower alternatives. Carrier exits hit a 12-month high of 7,474 in May 2025, while new carrier authorities surged 48% month-over-month, signaling high market turnover and potential instability.
For brokers, this environment demands constant adaptation. The consolidation of brokerages—described as a “tidal wave” with large players dominating load boards—puts pressure on smaller brokers to adopt advanced technologies like AI-driven freight matching or risk obsolescence. Digital freight brokers, such as FreightVana, are integrating networks and leveraging algorithms to optimize routes, but smaller brokers struggle with the costs of these technologies. Additionally, volatile rates and tightening capacity, especially in drayage due to anticipated import surges from China, mean brokers must build direct relationships with shippers to maintain leverage. Strategies like cold outreach and fostering sustainable relationships, as emphasized by industry experts, are critical for brokers to avoid being squeezed out by larger competitors.
The freight market’s volatility, driven by trade wars, fluctuating fuel prices, and regulatory changes, mirrors the wolf debate’s tension between growth and control. Just as farmers seek non-lethal solutions to manage wolf populations, brokers must proactively network and innovate to navigate the expanding yet unpredictable capacity landscape. Relying solely on load boards or traditional pricing models is no longer viable; brokers need data-driven strategies and strong shipper connections to thrive.