Fuel Price Fluctuations Impact Operating Costs: Significant increases in diesel fuel prices can erode profit margins if surcharges cannot fully offset the increased expense, while sudden drops can reduce surcharge revenue.

Difficulty Attracting and Retaining Qualified Drivers: A persistent industry-wide shortage of qualified truck drivers, coupled with high turnover rates, leads to increased recruitment and training costs, higher wages, and potentially underutilized fleet capacity.

Reduced Freight Volumes During Economic Contractions: Economic slowdowns or recessions can lead to decreased manufacturing, retail sales, and overall consumer spending, resulting in lower demand for transportation services and downward pressure on freight rates.