Transport M&A Gains Momentum in H1 2026 as 121 Deals Signal Freight Recovery

1 articles · Updated · Transport Topics · Jul 21

Trucking dealmaking picked up in the first half of 2026 as recovering freight conditions brought back owners who had delayed exits during the downturn.
121 transportation and logistics transactions closed on a trailing-12-month basis through the first half, PMCF said, matching last year’s pace but still below 2024’s 168 deals.
Capacity cuts, rising freight rates and firmer investor confidence helped unlock deals, while bankers said support for a sustainable trucking upturn has recently strengthened.
Buyers still stayed selective: Lincoln International said valuations remained weak for commodity freight and undifferentiated truckload operators, with acquirers favoring differentiated capabilities over added capacity.
Advisers expect a busier second half and improving alignment into 2027, though geopolitical risk and uneven conditions across transport segments could limit how broad the rebound becomes.