Dear Valued Customers,
As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the logistics landscape is undergoing a structural shift that directly impacts the construction industry. After several years of “soft” market conditions, we have reached a pivotal turning point where over-the-road freight capacity is tightening significantly.
At BuildBlock Building Systems, our priority is ensuring your projects stay on schedule. To help you plan effectively for the remainder of the year, I want to share a transparent assessment of the current market and outline how we can work together to navigate these challenges.
The Current State of Freight
The “freight recession” of previous years has ended, giving way to a significant contraction in available trucks. Several factors are currently converging:
- Capacity Contraction: Record carrier bankruptcies in 2024 and 2025 have “flushed out” the pandemic-era surplus of trucks.
- Regulatory Squeeze: Supply is being forced out by the DOT. More than 550 driving schools were just shut down, and thousands of CDLs are facing revocation. Combined with UPS driver buyouts, we are seeing a significant “forced” exit of drivers.
- Increased Disruptions: New 2026 federal regulatory shifts regarding driver eligibility and rising equipment costs have sidelined a notable portion of the commercial driver pool.
- Tender Rejections: Carriers are becoming increasingly selective. “Dropped loads” are on the rise as drivers prioritize higher-margin routes or facilities that offer the fastest turnaround.
Proactive Planning: Production & Lead Times
To mitigate delays, it is critical to adjust your ordering strategy immediately.
While we previously suggested shorter windows, the current market requires a minimum lead time of 10–14 days. However, lead times are only one part of the equation. To ensure your project remains a priority, we strongly recommend getting your orders into our system as soon as possible. We also encourage ordering full truckloads to maximize capacity. Early order entry allows our Operations and Customer Service team to schedule production efficiently and secure equipment well in advance. In a market where trucks are scarce, having a confirmed order ready for pickup gives us a significant advantage in “locking in” a carrier before capacity disappears.
Your Shipping Options
We recognize that every job site has unique requirements. To provide maximum flexibility, we offer the following alternatives:
- Customer-Arranged Freight (CPU): If you have established relationships with local carriers or can manage your own transportation, you may opt to arrange your own pickup. Please coordinate with our Operations and Customer Service team to schedule a dedicated loading slot at a plant.
- Utilizing Local Resources: For projects within a 150-mile radius of our plants, we encourage the use of local “short-haul” carriers or regional flatbed providers. These partners are often less affected by national long-haul disruptions and can offer more consistent service.
Moving Forward Together
We anticipate that capacity will remain tight and rates will see modest inflationary growth through the end of 2026. By getting your orders in early and staying in close contact with our team, we can navigate these disruptions together.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for choosing BuildBlock for your ICF construction needs.
Best regards,
Vann Smith, Operations Manager