Sixteen US Trucking Companies File for Bankruptcy Amid Fuel Surge
Sixteen American trucking companies filed for bankruptcy in September 2026 as record diesel prices and rising operating costs eliminated profit margins.
Sixteen trucking companies in the United States filed for bankruptcy during September 2026, resulting in the loss of more than 250 jobs. The filings include a mix of Chapter 7 liquidations and Chapter 11 reorganizations, affecting a spectrum of businesses from small owner-operators to larger fleets.
Major firms seeking Chapter 11 protection include Xoco Transport, which operates over 40 tractors, and Globemaster Inc., which reported assets between $500,000 and $1 million. Other companies seeking reorganization include CLJ Transporting and Jett Transport & Materials, while smaller carriers like A&B Transportation filed for Chapter 7 liquidation.
The wave of failures is driven by record diesel prices, which averaged $6.53 per gallon on September 22—an increase of $2.76 over the previous year. This surge is attributed to President Donald Trump's conflict with Iran. These fuel costs compound existing financial pressures; the American Transportation Research Institute reported a 3.4% increase in operating costs per mile in 2025, with further surges in 2026.
Beyond fuel, companies are struggling with escalating expenses for labor, insurance, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. These costs often exceed revenue during slow hauling seasons. The resulting loss of companies has reduced freight capacity and increased truckload rates, creating potential risks for consumer goods pricing and delivery timelines.
