EASE Logistics has released its inaugural Automotive Freight Index for Q1 2026. The first-ever Automotive Freight Index published by EASE Logistics is entitled “The Return of Volatility” and illustrates the renewed presence of volatility in the automotive supply chain due to various factors such as unstable manufacturing, disruptions in lead times, and higher transportation costs. According to the report, manufacturers’ expectations regarding a relatively stable supply chain following microchips shortages were not met, evidenced by volume surges and associated with disruption occurrences and hikes in cost per mile, which correlated with variations in diesel prices. Third-party validation from C.H. Robinson forecasts that truckloads costs will increase between 16% to 17% on an annual basis, implying persistent pressure on carrier margins.
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Another factor fueling volatility includes the move away from EVs and a switch towards hybrid cars and IC engines. “Production variability, lead time instability and rising costs aren’t happening in isolation. They’re hitting at the same time and compounding each other. The traditional planning models just aren’t built for that, and the data is making that pretty clear,” said Keith Ward, Chief Operating Officer, EASE Logistics. The report also identifies lead time instability as a primary cost driver, forcing reliance on expedited freight and exposing shippers to higher spot market rates, while broader economic factors continue to push overall cost-per-load upward despite stable vehicle demand.
