TD Cowen Index Analyzes Parcel LTL and Truckload Pricing Trends

TD Cowen Index Analyzes Parcel LTL and Truckload Pricing Trends

The latest TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report reveals a complex freight market. Parcel shipping faces intense discounting, while LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) pricing remains robust. Truckload demand, however, shows weakness. Shippers need a deep understanding of these market dynamics to navigate the challenges and adapt their strategies accordingly. The report highlights the contrasting trends across different freight modes, emphasizing the need for shippers to be agile and informed in their decision-making to optimize costs and maintain efficient supply chains.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Parcel LTL and Truckload Markets Show Divergent Trends TD Cowen Index

Parcel LTL and Truckload Markets Show Divergent Trends TD Cowen Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals a divided US freight market. Parcel rates are up due to fuel surcharges and dimensional weight increases. Less-than-truckload (LTL) benefits from Yellow's bankruptcy, maintaining strong pricing. Truckload (TL) rates are slightly down due to increased short-haul shipments. Companies should optimize transportation networks, strengthen carrier partnerships, and improve load factors to navigate these trends and manage logistics costs effectively.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Expert Analyzes Supply Chain Disruption Challenges

Logistics Expert Analyzes Supply Chain Disruption Challenges

In the LM Podcast Series, Tom Nightingale of AFS Logistics analyzes the current state and future trends of the freight market. He focuses on peak season outlook, capacity and rates, nearshoring, and the impact of the Baltimore incident on supply chains. He advises businesses to plan ahead, optimize inventory, flexibly adjust transportation modes, and strengthen supply chain risk management to address market challenges. Proactive planning and diversification are key to navigating the complexities of the current freight landscape and mitigating potential disruptions.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Experts Warn of Peak Season Supply Chain Strains

Logistics Experts Warn of Peak Season Supply Chain Strains

AFS Logistics expert Tom Nightingale delves into critical issues in the freight transportation and logistics market on the Logistics Management podcast. He discusses peak season outlook, capacity and rates, the trend of nearshoring, and the impact of the Baltimore incident. Nightingale emphasizes the importance of strengthening supply chain risk management, adapting to market fluctuations, and embracing digital technologies to enhance supply chain resilience and competitiveness. Businesses should proactively manage risks and leverage technology for a more robust and agile supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Sector Strengthens As LTL Weakens Parcel Rates Hold TD Cowen

Trucking Sector Strengthens As LTL Weakens Parcel Rates Hold TD Cowen

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index indicates emerging light in the trucking market, though overcapacity remains a challenge. Parcel shipping pricing strategies are effective, but discount competition is fierce. Less-than-truckload (LTL) pricing remains strong, but declining fuel surcharges suggest potential loosening of pricing discipline. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and flexibly adjust their strategies to navigate these evolving conditions, balancing opportunities with ongoing pressures from excess capacity and competitive pricing.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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 Q1 report reveals mixed performance across transportation modes amidst soft demand and excess capacity. Truckload shows promise with rising spot rates, but contract rates remain under pressure. Parcel saw effective pricing adjustments, though discounts persist. LTL rates are stable, but pricing discipline may be loosening. The report anticipates potential rate increases in the future, suggesting a possible shift in the freight market dynamics. Overall, the index highlights the ongoing challenges and potential opportunities within the current freight environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Parcel Discounts Rise As LTL Rates Hold Truckload Demand Slows TD Cowen

Parcel Discounts Rise As LTL Rates Hold Truckload Demand Slows TD Cowen

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index indicates a fragmented freight market: unprecedented discounts in parcel shipping, resilient or potentially increasing LTL pricing, and sluggish demand in truckload. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics and flexibly adjust logistics strategies to capitalize on opportunities and navigate challenges. This includes leveraging parcel discounts while preparing for potential LTL rate hikes and optimizing truckload operations in a low-demand environment. Proactive adaptation is key to success in the current volatile freight landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen Index

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen Index

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index indicates a mixed performance in the third quarter freight market. LTL rates increased due to Yellow's bankruptcy, while parcel shipping saw deeper discounts. Truckload remained relatively stable. A muted peak season is expected in the fourth quarter with slower growth across all segments. Logistics companies need to refine operations, improve service quality, and embrace digitalization to navigate these challenges. The index highlights the need for strategic adaptation in a dynamic market environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Industry Faces Weak Demand Labor Unrest and Bankruptcies

Logistics Industry Faces Weak Demand Labor Unrest and Bankruptcies

The logistics industry faces challenges from weak demand and overcapacity. A potential UPS strike and Yellow's bankruptcy crisis add to the uncertainty. The report predicts truckload rates may bottom out, while the LTL market remains under pressure. Heavy-duty truck orders exceeded expectations, and the used truck market is cooling down. The industry outlook is unclear, with shippers currently holding the advantage. This complex situation necessitates careful planning and adaptation from all stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Faces Tariff Uncertainty Demand Volatility

Freight Market Faces Tariff Uncertainty Demand Volatility

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report highlights the impact of tariffs, consumer confidence, and other factors on the freight market. Full Truckload (FTL) is affected by tariffs and regionalization trends. Parcel shipping sees a shift in pricing strategies, while Less-than-Truckload (LTL) pricing demonstrates resilience. Companies need to pay attention to market changes, optimize their supply chains, and embrace green transportation to address challenges and seize opportunities. Focusing on adaptability and sustainable practices will be key to navigating the evolving freight landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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