The freight industry in British Columbia—and across North America—is undergoing significant transformation in 2025. From volatile diesel prices to shifting U.S.-Canada trade dynamics, commercial fleets in Surrey and the Greater Vancouver area are navigating complex terrain. In this article, we unpack the impact of rising fuel costs, new tariffs, and economic uncertainty on trucking operations. More importantly, we offer actionable insights for fleet managers looking to adapt, save, and grow—even in challenging times.

At Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales, we work with fleet operators every day who are recalibrating their business strategies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving environment. Whether you’re running long-haul lanes across the border or focusing on regional distribution within the Lower Mainland, understanding the macro forces shaping the industry is key to protecting your bottom line.

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1. The 2025 Freight & Fuel Landscape

Let’s begin with what every fleet operator is feeling in real time—fuel prices. In the first half of 2025, diesel prices have shown regional volatility, with West Coast markets like British Columbia experiencing increases between 5% and 10% since Q4 of 2024. Several factors are at play:

• OPEC production cuts in late 2024 created upward pressure on crude oil prices.

• Refinery capacity constraints in California and Washington are pushing up regional diesel premiums.

• Carbon pricing in BC continues to incrementally raise the per-litre cost at the pump.

The result? Fleets operating in the Pacific Northwest are seeing diesel costs exceed CAD $2.00/litre in some areas—translating to thousands in additional monthly expenses for even moderately sized operations.

Meanwhile, broader economic indicators show a soft freight market, particularly in cross-border and long-haul segments. According to ACT Research, 2025 truckload volumes remain flat or slightly down in many lanes, especially those impacted by cross-border trade policies.

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2. U.S. Tariffs Are Back—And Canadian Fleets Are Feeling the Squeeze

In Q2 2025, the U.S. reintroduced a wave of 10–25% tariffs on goods imported from countries including China, Mexico, and Canada. For Canadian fleets, the most immediate impacts include:

• Higher prices on OEM parts and trailer components imported through U.S. supply chains.

• Delays and additional costs in cross-border brokerage and customs clearance.

• Reduced customer demand due to rising consumer goods costs.

Surrey-based carriers running into Washington, Oregon, and California are particularly affected. With U.S. shippers reassessing procurement and routing strategies, Canadian carriers must stay flexible and cost-competitive to retain contracts.

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3. Fleet Decision-Making in a High-Cost Environment

With fuel and equipment prices under pressure, many fleet owners face tough choices in 2025. Do you invest in new trucks and trailers? Do you hold onto aging equipment? Do you pivot toward alternative fuels or simply optimize what you already own?

Let’s explore some of the strategies that are gaining traction:

a) Delaying New Equipment Purchases

OEMs have raised list prices by 5–8% in 2025 due to materials cost inflation and tariff pressures. As a result, used truck and trailer sales are surging—offering similar functionality at significantly lower costs.

b) Equipment Lifecycle Optimization

Fleets are leaning on preventive maintenance programs and targeted component upgrades to extend the usable life of trailers and tractors by 2–3 years, delaying major capital expenditures.

c) Selective Leasing

Short-term leasing is growing in popularity for seasonal or contract-specific demands. Leasing also allows access to newer equipment with maintenance included, reducing operational friction.

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4. How Rising Fuel Costs Are Reshaping Fleet Operations

The fuel situation in British Columbia is particularly acute due to its combination of:

• Geographic isolation from refining hubs

• Provincial carbon taxes

• High demand around port cities like Vancouver

For local fleets, this means that every fuel efficiency improvement matters. Consider the math: A mid-sized fleet of 25 trucks, each driving 100,000 km/year, burns around 400,000 litres of diesel annually. A 5% improvement in fuel economy translates to over $40,000 in annual savings at current rates.

Fleet managers are achieving this through:

• Low rolling resistance tires

• Aerodynamic trailer packages

• Idle reduction technology

• Driver behavior training via telematics

Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales partners with fleets to offer trailers equipped with fuel-efficient specs such as side skirts, LED lighting, and automatic tire inflation systems—all of which help shave operating costs.

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5. Regulatory Pressures in British Columbia

British Columbia continues to be one of the most environmentally progressive provinces in Canada. While this supports long-term sustainability, it also introduces new challenges for operators:

• The CleanBC Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) program requires fleet owners to report and manage fuel use and emissions data.

• Stricter noise and emissions limits are being enforced within Metro Vancouver’s urban freight corridors.

• Grants and incentives exist for low-emission vehicles, but compliance audits are intensifying.

Surrey fleets need to factor these policies into both equipment purchasing and route planning—especially as enforcement expands through 2025 and beyond.

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6. Local Market Conditions: Surrey & Greater Vancouver

Surrey continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in BC, with the logistics sector booming thanks to:

• Its proximity to Port of Vancouver

• Major arterial access via Highway 1, Highway 17, and Highway 99

• Rail intermodal connections via CN and CP yards

But competition is fierce. As more carriers enter the market to take advantage of import/export demand, cost control becomes a key differentiator. Fleets that are overextended or operating inefficiently will find it difficult to remain profitable.

For local operators, equipment downtime, excessive maintenance costs, or inefficient routing can be the difference between a successful quarter and a loss.

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7. Why Used Trailers Are the Smart Play in 2025

Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales has seen a sharp uptick in used trailer inquiries this year. Here’s why this trend makes sense:

Cost Savings

Used trailers typically cost 30–50% less than new units. In a capital-tight environment, this frees up funds for fuel, labor, and other operating needs.

Immediate Availability

With OEM backlogs extending up to 6 months in some cases, used inventory is ready to deploy—a major advantage for contract wins or new route launches.

High-Quality Specs

Our used trailers feature premium components, including radial tires, corrosion-resistant coatings, LED lighting, and aluminum rims—many of the same features you’d find on a new unit.

Flexible Leasing Options

Not ready to purchase? Our leasing programs offer terms ranging from 3 months to 5 years, often with maintenance included, simplifying budgeting and reducing risk.

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8. Mainland TTS: Your Partner in a Volatile Market

When you partner with Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales, you’re not just buying equipment—you’re gaining a strategic ally. Here’s what sets us apart in 2025:

• Wide Inventory: From chassis and reefers to flatbeds and dry vans, we stock what local fleets need—ready for work.

• Expert Support: Our sales team understands BC’s regulations, freight patterns, and environmental requirements.

• Affordable Financing: Through our in-house partner, Blue Capital Equipment Finance, we offer flexible terms, including seasonal structures, balloon payments, and early payout options.

• After-Sales Service: We provide service history documentation, inspection reports, and maintenance tracking for every unit we sell or lease.

• Cross-Border Guidance: For customers running into the U.S., we help navigate customs forms, compliance, and IFTA filings.

Whether you’re an owner-operator or a fleet of 100, we’re here to make your operation leaner, smarter, and more profitable.

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9. A Call to Action: Future-Proof Your Fleet

Let’s recap:

• Fuel prices are rising.

• Tariffs are disrupting parts and equipment supply chains.

• Regulatory pressure is growing in British Columbia.

• Freight rates are flat or down in key lanes.

• Equipment decisions in 2025 must be smarter than ever.

This is not the time for reactive thinking—it’s a time for strategic moves. Investing in quality used trailers, adopting efficiency upgrades, and leveraging knowledgeable equipment partners will make all the difference.

Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales is proud to support the Surrey logistics community as it adapts to the future of freight. Whether you’re looking to expand, replace, or optimize your fleet, our team is ready to help you do it right.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

📍 Visit Us: 9616 188 Street, Surrey, BC V4N 3M2
📞 Call Us: +1 866-888-6887
🌐 Explore: www.MainlandTTS.com
📩 Email Us: info@mainlandtts.com

Let’s build a fleet that’s resilient, profitable, and built for the realities of 2025.