A Profitability Checklist for US Carriers from AIG Business Services LLC
The Real Cost and Pricing Crisis in Trucking & Moving for 2025
Inflation, tariffs, and persistent operating cost hikes are squeezing truckers and moving company ownersacross the US like never before. While freight demand is stabilizing and even starting to rebound, the cost of running trucks—fuel, labor, insurance, permits, and equipment—remains at an all-time high. If you haven’t reassessed your pricing structure recently, your profit margins could be shrinking silently, putting long-term stability at risk.
What’s Driving Your Costs Higher in 2025?
Trucking and moving businesses face unique cost pressures, including:
- Rising operational expenses: Average non-fuel operating costs hit a record $1.78 per mile in 2024 and are still climbing—driven by higher truck/trailer payments and insurance.
- Labor costs: Driver wages rose 2.4% last year and benefits jumped nearly 5% per mile, even as trucking employment is competitive and turnover remains high.
- Equipment & insurance: Payments for vehicles and insurance costs are rising faster than inflation due to equipment shortages, new compliance mandates, and nuclear verdicts.
- Fuel price volatility: Gas and diesel costs remain unpredictable, directly impacting every move and haul.
- Inflation’s ripple effect: Everything from truck parts to tolls and permits is more expensive, forcing a re-examination of every line item.
Sample Cost Breakdown for a 2025 US Carrier
Cost Category
Typical 2025 Trend
Driver Wages/Benefits- Rising 2–5% per year
Fuel-High volatility
Truck/Trailer Payments-Up 8.3% from 2023
Insurance-Up 10–25%+ in many cases
Maintenance/Parts-Climbing with inflation
Permits/Tolls/Taxes-Gradual increases
Profit Margins: What’s Healthy in Trucking and Moving?
- Trucking Industry: Typical profit margins are 2–6% for most fleets. Those that optimize costs and pricing may reach the higher end, but many remain at or below 4% due to recent cost surges.
- Moving Companies: Averages hover around 7–10%. Top performers can hit 20%+ but this is rare and requires strict cost control and premium pricing.
The Hidden Profit Killers: Pricing Lag and Underestimated True Cost
Most small and mid-sized operators wait too long to adjust prices. Industry rates may rise modestly, but if your costs rise more quickly, every load or job erodes your profitability.
Hidden costs include:
- Downtime and deadhead miles
- Admin and regulatory compliance
- Training, recruitment, retention
- Equipment depreciation
If you’re only looking at line-haul or standard moving rates, you’re likely missing critical overheads.
SMB Profitability Checklist for Trucking & Moving
✓True Cost Analysis
- Calculate all-in hourly or per-mile costs: labor,equipment, insurance, admin, fuel, maintenance, depreciation.
- Allocate overhead: rent,utilities, licensing, and tech.
- Review cost inflation monthly,especially for insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
✓Pricing Strategy Review
- Spot vs. Contract Rates: Spot rates are rising faster than contracts in 2025; check your exposure and renegotiate as needed.
- Annual price review: If rates have not changed in 12–18 months, consider an 8–15% increase to keep up with inflation and operating costs.
- Value-based pricing: Offer premium, rush, or specialized services at higher rates (hazmat, last mile, heavy haul, white glove moves).
✓Segment-Based Pricing
- Long hauls vs. local moves: Factor in variable market demand and cost by segment.
- Seasonal pricing: Implement surcharges during peak seasons or when fuel prices spike.
- Complex services: Price specialty moves and logistics services to reflect higher skill, equipment, and risk.
✓Financial Health Indicators
- Net Profit Margins: Are you hitting at least 5%? Less may signal underpriced services or runaway costs.
- Cash Flow: Ensure rates and terms support steady, positive cash flow.
- Customer Analysis: Identify most/least profitable shippers or moving clients—consider minimums or letting go of low-margin business.
Industry-Specific Strategies to Protect and Boost Profit
For Trucking Companies
- Dynamic fuel surcharges: Update regularly to reflect real-time fuel cost swings.
- Route optimization: Use tech for efficient routing, minimize deadhead, and maximize truck utilization.
- Proactive insurance review: Shop policies, monitor claims, and adopt safety programs to lower premiums.
For Moving Companies
- Transparent pricing: Itemize estimates and clearly communicate surcharges.
- Premium services: Offer packing, storage, expedited, or heavy-item services at higher rates for higher-margin work.
- Monitor average move cost/income: Adjust advertising or client mix to attract higher-value jobs.
How AIG Business Services LLC Strengthens Your Bottom Line
AIG Business Services LLC specializes in providing US trucking and moving companies with:
- Industry-focused cost analysis: Pinpoint every hidden cost, benchmark against peers, and identify gaps draining your bottom line.
- Real-time financial monitoring: Know your monthly profit/loss, customer profitability, and service line margins instantly.
- Data-driven pricing recommendations: Implement new pricing models that keep pace with cost inflation and match your service value.
- Transparent flat-fee bookkeeping: No surprises—just clear, fixed-cost support starting at $265/month.
Proven Results:
Clients routinely see margin gains of 5–15%+ after optimizing pricing and cutting hidden costs. Many experience double-digit improvements through dynamic pricing and strategic customer management.
Take Action: Optimize Your Pricing & Protect Your Profit
Rising costs and industry uncertainty make decisive action more critical than ever in 2025. Don’t let increased expenses, from diesel fuel to insurance premiums and labor rates, quietly erode your company’s hard-won gains. Instead, take proactive control over your financial future—starting today.
Steps You Can Take Right Now
- Reassess Your True Cost Structure:
Break down every dollar you spend—drivers’ wages, maintenance, compliance fees, equipment, and overhead. Understanding your genuine all-in cost per mile or per move is the first step to pricing with confidence and protecting your margins. - Review and Adjust Your Pricing Strategy:
Don’t wait for annual reviews—establish a cadence for quarterly or even monthly pricing analyses. Align your rates and surcharges to reflect real market trends, fluctuating fuel costs, and peak demand periods. - Leverage Data and Expert Insight:
Use real-time dashboards and financial tools to monitor each client’s profitability, spot underpriced lanes, and cut unprofitable services before they drag down the bottom line. Consider benchmarking your pricing with industry leaders and leveraging professional advisory services. - Communicate Pricing Changes Transparently:
Keep your customers in the loop. Explain why pricing adjustments are necessary, focusing on the value and reliability you deliver and the economic realities of the trucking and moving industry in 2025. - Implement Strategic Service Differentiation:
Introduce premium or value-added service tiers—such as expedited moves, after-hours hauling, or specialized handling—at appropriately higher rates to attract high-value business and diversify revenue streams. - Build a Resilient, Forward-Focused Business Model:
Regularly assess your mix of contract and spot business, explore new service niches, and invest in automation and operational efficiencies to improve your competitive edge and long-term sustainability.
Why Waiting Costs, You More
With each month that passes, unchecked cost increases can quietly erode your profit margins and cash reserves. By acting now—restructuring your approach to pricing, effectively controlling costs, and seeking expert guidance—you can position your trucking or moving company to not only withstand volatility but also seize new opportunities for profitable growth.
Partner With Trusted Industry Advisors
At AIG Business Services LLC, we specialize in empowering US trucking and moving businesses to navigate every cost challenge and capture every profit opportunity. Our dedicated team works alongside you to analyze your operations, identify impactful changes, and provide the ongoing support you need—whether you’re an owner-operator or manage a growing fleet.
· Expertise in US trucking and moving regulations, payroll, and cost management.
· Transparent, flat-fee bookkeeping and consulting starting at $265/month.
· Real-time analytics, profitability dashboards, and proven cost-saving insights.
Unlock Your Profit Potential Today
Don’t wait until rising costs force reactive decisions. Take control and future-proof your business by partnering with professionals who know the unique demands of your industry. With the right pricing strategy, transparency, and operational focus, your company can weather any economic storm and drive sustainable profitability in 2025 and beyond.
Contact AIG Business Services LLC:
· Phone: +1 (833) 313-4996
· Email: finance@aigbiz.com
Take your next step toward greater profit and peace of mind—reach out today for a personalized review and actionable roadmap for your success.
