Sustainability Emerges as a Core Cost Strategy for Transportation Leaders Amid Market Volatility, New Breakthrough Research Finds

As tariff uncertainty and inflation persist, new data reveals shippers are embedding emissions reduction into day-to-day transportation decisions

GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Despite regulatory rollbacks, heightened political scrutiny, and persistent inflationary pressure, transportation leaders are continuing to invest in sustainability rather than pulling back. New findings from Breakthrough’s 2026 State of Transportation Report show both shippers and carriers increasingly view emissions reduction as a practical way to strengthen network resilience, manage cost exposure, and mitigate disruption.

Even as macroeconomic volatility continues to complicate transportation planning, 58% of shippers report making progress toward their sustainability goals over the past 12 months, with 21% describing that progress as “exceptional” – a 10-point increase compared to 2025. Looking ahead, 69% expect to reduce transportation-related emissions in 2026, signaling growing maturity in how sustainability is being embedded into core transportation strategy, including fuel efficiency, network planning, and procurement decisions.

This maturity is reinforced by sustained confidence in disruption readiness. In fact, 91% of transportation leaders across shippers and carriers say their organizations are agile and prepared to navigate future disruptions, which reflects a more disciplined approach to volatility management.

“As tariff policies, energy markets, and regulatory conditions continue to shift, many transportation leaders are navigating an environment where separating meaningful market signals from short-term noise has become more challenging,” said Heather Mueller, Chief Client Strategy Officer at Breakthrough. “What we’re seeing in the data is that cost management and sustainability are becoming much more closely intertwined, with sustainability playing a growing role in how leaders manage cost exposure and how they build long-term resilience into their operations.”

Tariffs are now the No. 1 economic indicator guiding transportation decision-making, followed by energy prices and regulatory policies, with nearly half of leaders expecting tariffs to disrupt the industry in 2026. These concerns are increasingly tied to broader economic risk, including a slowing economy.

In response, transportation teams are adjusting how they manage volatility. Rather than relying on constant short-term market signals, leaders are leveraging dynamic strategies and financial discipline to stabilize performance. The most notable changes include greater use of flexible contracts to support adaptability, increased adoption of AI-powered freight optimization solutions, reduced reliance on short-term market insights, and expanded use of fuel hedging strategies to manage price volatility and improve budget certainty.

Taken together, the findings suggest transportation leaders are moving toward a more integrated operating model in which sustainability, cost management, and resilience are considered and addressed through the same decisions.

Breakthrough surveyed 500 U.S. transportation leaders, including shippers and carriers, about their goals and priorities for 2026. To see the complete findings from Breakthrough’s 2026 State of Transportation Report, visit: https://www.breakthroughfuel.com/resources/exclusive-content/2026-state-of-transportation-report/.

About Breakthrough

Breakthrough, a U.S. Venture company, is a leading provider of sustainable fuel and freight solutions that reduce costs, improve network efficiency, and decarbonize transportation. Powered by more than $35 billion in annual freight spend data, advanced technology, and deep market expertise, Breakthrough delivers freight optimization and actionable strategies for the world’s leading brands, helping transform transportation into a more effective and sustainable ecosystem. Breakthrough is a multi-year Top Food Chain Technology honoree from Food Shippers of America, Owens Corning Supplier of the Year, and recipient of the 2025 Top Supply Chain Projects Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics.