Deal snapshot: Page Trucking to acquire Goulet Trucking
Specialized bulk hauler Page Trucking will acquire Massachusetts-based Goulet Trucking, creating a combined operation expected to field more than 500 trucks and 1,500 pieces of equipment when the deal closes in the first quarter of 2026. The companies plan to operate under a new entity, Page G.T.C., maintain Page’s headquarters in Weedsport, New York, and retain personnel with a blended leadership team. Terms were not disclosed. For bulk carriers and shippers in metals, waste and other heavy commodities, the move consolidates capacity in a niche where specialized permits and equipment are key barriers to entry.
Why this matters for fleets and shippers
Carrier consolidation typically aims to unlock utilization gains and expand geographic reach. Page and Goulet point to “operational synergies from equipment utilization” and an expanded footprint for overweight-permitted gear—advantages that can shorten cycle times and reduce deadhead in the Northeast and cross-regional lanes. For competing fleets, the combination may raise the bar on service capability (e.g., hazardous and non-hazardous bulk waste) and pricing power in select lanes, while owner-operators in these markets could see steadier specialized freight but tighter requirements on equipment specs and credentials.
Retirement plan update: IRS lifts 401(k) caps for 2026
The IRS set the 2026 employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan at $24,500 (up from $23,500 for 2025). Catch-up contributions for those age 50 and over rise to $8,000. IRA limits increase to $7,500, with an age-50-plus catch-up of $1,100. A higher catch-up of $11,250 remains in place for participants aged 60–63 in applicable plans. For fleets, this means updating payroll systems and plan communications before the new plan year to ensure employees can take advantage of the higher caps on January 1, 2026.
Context: costs still nudge strategy
The M&A and benefits headlines land as non-fuel operating costs remain elevated across the industry. While average total cost per mile edged lower in 2024 on cheaper diesel, non-fuel marginal costs hit a record, with equipment payments and driver benefits rising notably—pressures that push fleets toward scale, better asset turns and sharper cost control. Moves like Page–Goulet are consistent with carriers’ efforts to spread fixed costs over more specialized assets and match equipment to dense, high-yield freight.
What owner-operators and fleet managers should do now
- Map freight exposure: If you haul bulk metals, scrap, waste or similar commodities in the Northeast and Great Lakes, monitor bid activity and lead times into early 2026 as Page G.T.C. integrates networks and equipment pools. Consider alliance or sub-haul opportunities if you run compatible gear and permits.
- Protect utilization: Specialized trailers and overweight permits improve yield only when kept moving. Tighten appointment adherence and staging practices with industrial shippers to capture the utilization gains larger platforms target in mergers.
- Refresh 2026 benefits: Update your 401(k) deferral elections and plan documents for the new limits. Communicate the $24,500 deferral maximum and $8,000 catch-up (plus the $11,250 higher catch-up for ages 60–63 where applicable) to drivers before first payrolls of 2026. Coordinate with recordkeepers to prevent contribution caps or payroll errors.
- Budget with non-fuel costs in mind: Even if fuel stays manageable, plan for elevated equipment payments, insurance and benefits. Stress-test 2026 budgets at today’s trailer and wage levels, and pursue network density and backhaul commitments to offset fixed-cost creep.
- Watch integration milestones: Closing is targeted for Q1 2026. If you’re a shipper or contractor with either Page or Goulet, align on new contacts, billing details and safety/compliance requirements as the Page G.T.C. structure rolls out.
Bottom line: As 2025 winds down, the specialized bulk market is consolidating and retirement plan caps are rising. Both trends reward operators who plan ahead—locking in the right equipment and permits for high-yield freight while tuning benefits to attract and retain professional drivers in 2026.
Sources Consulted: Trucking Dive; Page Trucking; Internal Revenue Service.
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