Investing.com -- Goldman Sachs said trucking stocks may benefit from historical seasonal patterns that typically show spot rate increases in the final months of the year.

Trucking equities returned 31.5% year-to-date through August, outpacing the 21.0% gain in transportation stocks excluding trucking and the 12.0% return of the S&P 500. The sector saw gains follow a rise in spot trucking rates during the first half of 2026.

The stocks have pulled back 16.0% on average from their June and July peaks as spot trucking rates declined recently.

Goldman's analysis of historical data shows trucking spot rates typically accelerate through September and gain additional strength during the November and December holiday freight and shopping season. The firm said this pattern has historically aligned with equity performance strength that re-emerges in October and November.

The investment bank maintains buy ratings on Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Werner Enterprises, and Schneider National.