Why would Sherwin-Williams increase freight capacity by 11% specifically for peak season?

Peak season typically drives 25-40% higher order volumes in the retail paint and building materials sector. Pre-securing freight capacity with ITS Logistics ensures Sherwin-Williams can fulfill demand without delays, preventing lost sales and protecting customer service levels during the busiest months.

What does this partnership tell us about the trucking market in 2025-2026?

The 11% increase reflects ongoing capacity constraints in trucking. Rather than relying on spot market rates, Sherwin-Williams is committing capacity ahead of time—a sign that carriers remain capacity-constrained and that shipper-carrier partnerships are critical to operational reliability.

How should other retailers respond to similar peak season planning?

Supply chain leaders should establish forward commitments with key carriers at least 90-120 days before peak season, negotiate multi-year rate agreements to secure capacity, and diversify across multiple carriers to mitigate risk. This approach mirrors Sherwin-Williams' strategy and helps avoid last-minute premium rates.

What operational risks could emerge from this capacity expansion?

Driver availability, fuel cost volatility, and equipment maintenance become more critical at higher utilization levels. Teams should also monitor demand forecasts closely—if demand underperforms, contracted capacity could drive higher per-unit costs.

Does this expansion signal broader retail strength?

Yes. An 11% freight increase suggests confidence in consumer and contractor spending on home improvement and construction. However, this is a single-company announcement; broader retail health depends on sector-wide data and consumer confidence trends.

Shipping & Freight

Moderate

Sherwin-Williams, ITS Logistics Expand Peak Season Freight 11%

May 26, 2026

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The signal

Sherwin-Williams and ITS Logistics have announced an 11% increase in peak season freight capacity for the 2025-2026 period, demonstrating confidence in demand recovery and seasonal growth in the building materials sector. This expansion represents a strategic response to anticipated higher order volumes during traditionally busy quarters, requiring both partners to add transportation resources, equipment, and driver capacity.

The partnership enhancement indicates that paint and coatings manufacturers are preparing for sustained consumer and contractor demand, likely driven by ongoing construction activity and renovation trends. For supply chain professionals, this signals that major retailers are pre-positioning inventory and logistics infrastructure ahead of peak periods—a best practice that helps avoid stockouts and service failures during high-demand windows.

This development reflects healthy market conditions but also highlights the ongoing tightness in trucking capacity, where 11% growth requires deliberate planning and partnership. Organizations managing similar seasonal peaks should evaluate their own carrier relationships and consider similar forward commitments to secure reliable capacity.

#peak-season-logistics

#logistics-partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

immediate

What if driver availability limits ITS Logistics' ability to fulfill the 11% expansion?

Simulate a scenario where ITS Logistics faces labor constraints and can only execute 85% of the planned 11% capacity increase. Model the service level impact, estimated penalties, and cost of emergency spot market freight to cover the shortfall.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if demand in peak season falls short of the 11% capacity expansion?

Model a scenario where Sherwin-Williams' actual peak season demand grows only 5-7% instead of the anticipated 11%. Evaluate the cost impact of contracted but underutilized freight capacity, and identify opportunities to reallocate capacity to other routes or products.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if fuel costs spike 10% during peak season, impacting transportation economics?

Evaluate how a 10% fuel cost increase affects the profitability and rate structure of the expanded freight agreement. Determine whether rate escalation clauses protect both parties and identify hedging strategies Sherwin-Williams could employ.

Run this scenario

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The signal

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