Written by Mike Pettigrew, VMAC Marketing Manager
The North American trucking industry is facing one of its toughest years in recent memory. Economic disruption, shifting trade dynamics, and regulatory uncertainty have all collided to create a turbulent landscape for fleets and suppliers alike. Analysts at ACT Research have noted that while the economy will eventually absorb the effects of tariffs, the freight outlook for the coming months remains cautious.
Despite layoffs, labor challenges, and declining freight rates, many trucking companies are doubling down on one priority: service. At VMAC, we’ve made resilience, customer trust, and community impact central to how we’re navigating these challenges.
The headlines tell a sobering story. In 2025 alone, at least 17 trucking companies in the U.S. have either filed for bankruptcy or shut down entirely due to unsustainable market conditions. Trucknews.com recently highlighted how long-standing fleets like Davis Express and TGS Transportation have disappeared, leaving drivers and customers scrambling, pointing to trade tensions and new emissions regulations as major disruptors, and demand for new trucks remaining muted instead of seeing the usual 'pre‑buy' rush before 2027.
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At the same time, a freight slowdown is eroding revenues. A short-lived cargo surge earlier this year quickly gave way to falling load volumes and plunging freight rates. Business Insider has reported that tariffs and weaker consumer demand are adding more pressure across the freight sector, while regulatory mandates around emissions continue to complicate matters.
Some major truck manufacturers are even challenging California’s Clean Truck Partnership, arguing that overlapping state and federal requirements create costly uncertainty. And while the U.S. paused approval of $5 billion in EV charger grants earlier this year, companies like PepsiCo are still betting on electric fleets, showing confidence that the technology will keep improving.
In these difficult conditions, service reliability is key. While market fluctuations, rising costs, and industry disruptions can strain operations, resilient businesses know that exceptional service builds loyalty, protects market share, and differentiates them from competitors. By focusing on responsiveness, reliability, and added value, companies like VMAC are showing customers that they can count on us to deliver, not just to survive, but to come out stronger when conditions improve.
VMAC operates within the trucking ecosystem, with industry leading mobile air compressors and multi-power systems for service trucks, mobile tire units, roadside repair vehicles, and more. Service is the true stabilizer, and that’s been our focus. In July, we released the 2025 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, offering a detailed look at fleet operations and tool usage. By investing in research and sharing insights, we’re helping customers find clarity at a time when they need it most.
I’m proud of this year’s report because it reflects the current state of the mobile compressed air industry and offers valuable perspective for business leaders across North America. The report found that air compressors remain the most critical equipment onboard, with 32% of respondents identifying them as the single most important component on their service vehicle. Rotary screw compressors continue to dominate, preferred by 72% of users for performance, continuous airflow, and compact size. Respondents highlighted performance (78%), compact size and weight (36%), and ease of service and reliability (33%) as top reasons for choosing rotary screw compressors, putting performance and service at the center.
VMAC air compressors are setting the standard with unmatched customer care. From a dedicated full‑time product specialist and technical support team to maintenance videos and other resources, we make sure customers have peace of mind long after the sale. Our focus on proven reliability means operators spend less time on maintenance and more time on the job. And with our limited lifetime warranty, VMAC air compressors and multifunction systems deliver long‑term value that fleets can depend on. Service is no longer an afterthought, it’s the glue holding this industry together.
Tariff tensions between Canada and the U.S. have weighed heavily on manufacturing and trucking. The reality is, it changes daily, and that uncertainty makes it tough for businesses to plan. Even so, VMAC entered this year in a strong position, leaning on lessons from the pandemic and careful inventory management to avoid layoffs while sustaining service levels for customers.
I’m also proud that VMAC has been recognized this year with Platinum‑Club status in the Best Managed Companies program and as a Best Employee‑Owned Fiduciary Board. To me, these honors reflect the pride and ownership our team brings every day. Family, community, pride, and ownership are the words I’d use to describe our culture, and I see it in every interaction across VMAC.
By maintaining in‑house manufacturing and a lean production system, we’ve built agility, quality, and responsiveness into everything we do. When external supply chains falter, our control ensures reliable delivery and stronger customer service. And service, to us, also extends to our community. One highlight this year was donating computers to support local families, seniors, and students. Access to technology opens doors to education, employment, and personal independence and we’re proud to help make that possible for more people in our community.
For fleet managers, service‑truck operators, and suppliers navigating this turbulent year, there are valuable lessons to take away: share data and insights to help customers make decisions, plan for uncertainty with inventory buffers and flexible operations, put people first to build strong partnerships, keep manufacturing processes close to home for agility, and expand the definition of service to include community engagement.
North American trucking faces undeniable challenges: shrinking margins, bankruptcies, tariff pressures, and regulatory disputes. But companies like VMAC that prioritize service through technology, reliability, and community engagement are positioning themselves for long‑term strength.
At VMAC, our people‑first approach is proof that resilience isn’t just about weathering storms, but about redefining what service means. In a year marked by disruption, service remains the industry’s most valuable cargo.