New survey data from Tech.co has revealed that nearly a quarter (22%) of U.S. logistics businesses are prioritizing vehicle upkeep, at a time when major unforeseen disruptions have caused a spike in operational pressure –
Vehicle Maintenance Prioritized to Offset Major Unforeseen Disruptions
- 22% of U.S. logistics businesses prioritized vehicle upkeep in February (a 3% percentage point increase from January to February 2026)
- 30% of U.S. logistic businesses said major unforeseen disruptions had caused a spike in operational pressure
- Among firms prioritizing vehicle upkeep, 70% are focusing on preventative maintenance
New survey data by Tech.co has revealed that nearly a quarter (22%) of U.S. logistics businesses are prioritizing vehicle upkeep, at a time when major unforeseen disruptions have caused a spike in operational pressure.
Tech.co said it has been tracking operational pressure within the logistics industry since April 2025 by monitoring levels of freight demand, issue severity and business stance across surveyed logistics firms.
This ‘Operational Pressure Index’ reached its highest figure (44) in February , highlighting a recent spike in operational pressure felt across U.S. logistics businesses.
Tech.co’s findings show that 30% of logistics businesses said major unforeseen disruptions caused a spike in operational pressure.
Severe weather could have also contributed to such a significant jump in this metric, as ‘Storm Fern’ encompassed the South and Northeast of the U.S. in January, disrupting the freight market.
Tech.co said 70% of U.S. logistics firms that are prioritizing vehicle upkeep have been focusing on preventative maintenance as their top vehicle upkeep measure in February.
The survey’s top five vehicle upkeep measures currently being implemented U.S. logistics businesses include:
- Preventative maintenance (70%)
- Addressing mechanical issues (52%)
- Upgrading/replacing components (51%)
- Ensuring safety compliance (49%)
- Improving fuel efficiency (40%)
Tech.co also found fleets face more issues related to unforeseen disruptions including:
- Vehicle upkeep expenses: Vehicle upkeep rose by 3 percentage points from January to February, and has remained the top priority while harsh weather damaged trucks and forced companies to spend more on maintenance.
- Labor challenges: February saw a rise in poor working conditions as drivers were subjected to harsher driving conditions and potentially longer hours due to unpredictable delays.
- Higher insurance costs: More road accidents have raised the price of insurance
Tech.co’s editor, Jack Turner, said “The latest data from Tech.co’s research shows preventative maintenance is now a top priority for 70% of logistics firms. This signals a transition from reactive crisis management to strategic preservation.
With the industry currently volatile, we’re seeing companies are taking steps to invest now and protect themselves in the future. The move is an essential one, as companies look to maintain some semblance of control where they can, in the face of ever more challenges and disruption to the supply chain.
