Trucking and cargo-shipping rates are at their highest levels in years—and it isn’t just because of the price of fuel. The cost of moving goods has surged due to a combination of driver shortages, port congestion, and increased demand for shipping capacity. These pressures are being felt across supply chains, from manufacturers to retailers, as businesses face higher expenses to transport everything from raw materials to finished products.

Industry analysts say the trend is unlikely to reverse soon, with structural challenges in logistics infrastructure continuing to drive up prices. The rising cost of transport is adding to inflationary pressures and forcing companies to reevaluate their sourcing and distribution strategies.