LEIN Logistics Insights

Retailers report higher freight costs in the third quarter

Source: FreightWaves · Original publication: 2026-11-02

At a glance. FreightWaves reported that higher fuel and transport expenses weighed on retailers' third-quarter supply chains. Amazon cited higher fuel and line-haul costs, while inventory placement and shipment consolidation improved fulfillment costs; its shipping costs rose 11% year on year and units rose 12%. Tractor Supply named transport and fuel among pressures on gross margin. Carter's cited port congestion and container availability problems and inventory below plan, but said disruptions had not materially affected its business to date. These are company-specific historical results.

Cost pressures at Amazon and Tractor Supply

Amazon pointed to higher fuel and line-haul costs, offset in part by improved fulfillment costs from inventory placement and shipment consolidation. Its shipping costs increased 11% year on year, while units increased 12%.

Tractor Supply listed transport and fuel among the pressures on its gross margin during the quarter.

Carter's on congestion and inventory

Carter's cited port congestion and container availability problems, along with inventory below plan. The company said the disruptions had not materially affected its business to date.

These figures and statements are company-specific historical results for the third quarter and do not establish a broader market trend.

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Prepared from the cited report for general information; the original publication date is shown above.