Freight Index Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Q1 Market Struggles

Freight Index Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Q1 Market Struggles

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report indicates emerging signs of recovery in trucking, although overcapacity persists. Parcel shipping pricing strategies are proving effective, but the risk of discounts remains a concern. Less-than-truckload (LTL) pricing discipline faces challenges, with growth slowing. The report highlights the current state and future trends across various transportation modes, providing valuable insights for market participants. It underscores the complexities of balancing demand, capacity, and pricing in a dynamic freight environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Freight Market Rebounds As TD Cowen Index Signals Rate Hikes

Freight Market Rebounds As TD Cowen Index Signals Rate Hikes

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index reveals pockets of optimism amidst challenges of soft demand and excess capacity. Truckload spot rates are increasing, and parcel pricing strategies are proving effective. However, LTL pricing discipline may be weakening. The index anticipates varying degrees of rate increases across different transportation modes in Q1 2025. While headwinds persist, certain segments demonstrate resilience and potential for growth, suggesting a complex and evolving freight market landscape. Monitoring these trends is crucial for informed decision-making.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Market Faces Trade War Challenges TD Cowen Index

US Freight Market Faces Trade War Challenges TD Cowen Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index Q2 report unveils the challenges and trends in the US freight market under the shadow of the trade war. Analyzing the current market situation in various modes like truckload, parcel, and LTL, the report points out that tariffs, demand shifts, and capacity adjustments are key factors influencing the market. The report emphasizes the need for businesses to closely monitor market dynamics and flexibly adjust strategies to cope with uncertainties. This includes understanding the impact of tariffs and adapting to changing consumer demand.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Freight Market Shifts Under Tariffs and Demand TD Cowenafs Index

Freight Market Shifts Under Tariffs and Demand TD Cowenafs Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report indicates that tariff policies, declining consumer confidence, and changes in carrier pricing strategies are impacting the freight market. In trucking, front-loading of inventory is driving up rates, but increased short-haul shipments are lowering overall costs. For parcel, carriers are adjusting prices more frequently, and fuel surcharges are rising, but sales growth faces challenges. In LTL, pricing remains strong despite economic headwinds. The report highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing freight costs and volumes across different transportation modes.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Shifts During Peak Season

TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Shifts During Peak Season

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals emerging trends in the freight market: LTL pricing impacted by Yellow's closure, fuel surcharges rebound; Ground parcel discounts deepen, but demand surcharges loom; Truckload sees a short-term volume increase, peak season expectations are muted. The index provides shippers with valuable insights for informed decision-making. The LTL market is experiencing significant price volatility due to the disruption caused by Yellow's bankruptcy. Shippers need to carefully monitor these changes and adjust their strategies accordingly.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Cooling Amid Economic Pressures

TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Cooling Amid Economic Pressures

Freight indices indicate peak season strength or weakness, with varying activity across different transportation markets. LTL rates are increasing, parcel rates are decreasing, and truckload rates remain stable. Influenced by macroeconomic factors and others, flexibility and responsiveness are crucial. The freight index provides insights into the current state of the logistics market and helps businesses understand the trends in transportation rates, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt to market fluctuations effectively. Monitoring these indicators is key for navigating the complexities of the logistics landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Q1 2025 Freight Index Shows Weak Demand Amid Recovery Signs

Q1 2025 Freight Index Shows Weak Demand Amid Recovery Signs

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report reveals varying recovery signs across transportation modes despite persistent soft demand and overcapacity. Truckload spot market shows positive signals, parcel pricing strategies are effective, and LTL pricing discipline shows cracks. The report offers decision-making insights for shippers and carriers, highlighting the nuances of the current freight market. It analyzes key trends and provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing freight rates and capacity across different segments, offering valuable context for navigating the evolving landscape.

01/17/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

The DAT report indicates a month-over-month decrease in spot truckload freight volume for September, but a significant year-over-year increase. Seasonal factors, new Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and driver shortages are key factors influencing the market. Shippers and carriers need to strengthen collaboration to address these challenges and ensure supply chain stability. This collaboration is crucial for navigating the complexities of the current freight environment and maintaining efficient operations amidst fluctuating demand and evolving regulations.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
Cass Freight Index Shows October Demand Slump Amid Labor Strikes

Cass Freight Index Shows October Demand Slump Amid Labor Strikes

The Cass Freight Index reveals declines in both freight volume and expenditures in October, year-over-year and month-over-month, primarily due to weak demand and the UAW strike. Analysts suggest that private fleets' internal sourcing may lead to overall freight volume outperforming road transport. Looking ahead, economic conditions, geopolitical risks, and technological changes will continue to impact the freight market, requiring proactive responses from businesses.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Cass Freight Index Reports October Decline Amid Weak Demand Strikes

Cass Freight Index Reports October Decline Amid Weak Demand Strikes

The Cass Freight Index report reveals a 9.5% year-over-year decrease in freight volume and a 23.3% year-over-year drop in expenditures for October. Weak demand, compounded by the United Auto Workers strike, contributed to these record lows. Analysts anticipate continued downward pressure on freight volume and rates in the short term. However, the impact of the strike may create the potential for a future rebound in freight activity as production resumes and backlogs are addressed.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More