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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US Retail Imports Slow Holiday Sales Still Strong

US Retail Imports Slow Holiday Sales Still Strong

Despite headwinds like government shutdowns, U.S. retail container ports remain on a growth trajectory, albeit at a slower pace. The report forecasts holiday sales growth, but retailers should focus on consumer confidence and inventory management. Experts advise strengthening supply chain management, diversifying sourcing channels, and investing in technological innovation to navigate market changes. Proactive measures are crucial for retailers to optimize operations and maintain competitiveness in a dynamic environment.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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NRF Predicts Sustained Retail Growth Through 2025

NRF Predicts Sustained Retail Growth Through 2025

The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts a 2.7%-3.7% increase in retail sales for 2025, with online channels continuing to drive growth. The report analyzes the macroeconomic environment and consumer behavior, providing retailers with strategic recommendations such as omnichannel integration and product mix optimization. It also highlights the importance of monitoring potential risks associated with policy uncertainty.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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DHL Adapts to Geopolitics Foresees Muted 2025 Peak Season

DHL Adapts to Geopolitics Foresees Muted 2025 Peak Season

A DHL executive predicts a slower growth in peak season demand by 2025, but assures the company is well-prepared. Various business units are actively addressing shifts in global trade by enhancing agility, flexibility, and optimizing resource allocation. This ensures reliable and efficient logistics services for customers, helping them succeed in a competitive market. The focus is on proactive adaptation and strategic planning to navigate evolving market dynamics and maintain service excellence during peak periods.

11/30/-0001 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Index Forecasts Future Shipping Costs for Logistics

Freight Index Forecasts Future Shipping Costs for Logistics

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index, a collaboration between Cowen Inc. and AFS Logistics LLC, provides businesses with predictive pricing tools across LTL, Truckload, and Parcel sectors. Leveraging AFS's extensive freight data and advanced machine learning algorithms, the index forecasts future freight rate trends. This enables companies to optimize logistics strategies and reduce operational costs by providing insights into anticipated price fluctuations. The index aims to be a valuable resource for businesses seeking to improve their freight management and budgeting processes.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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ISM Nonmanufacturing Index Signals Shifting Logistics Trends

ISM Nonmanufacturing Index Signals Shifting Logistics Trends

This paper analyzes the impact of the US ISM Non-Manufacturing Index (NMI) on the logistics industry. By reviewing historical data, it explores the relationship between the NMI and logistics development. Furthermore, the paper proposes recommendations for logistics management strategies based on the analysis. It aims to provide insights into how fluctuations in the NMI can inform and optimize decision-making within the logistics sector, contributing to improved efficiency and resilience in the face of economic changes.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing and Services Show Uneven Growth ISM

US Manufacturing and Services Show Uneven Growth ISM

The latest ISM report reveals inconsistent supply chain growth signals across manufacturing and service sectors, urging businesses to tailor strategies based on industry specifics. The report emphasizes the need to monitor evolving supply chain dynamics and adjust plans accordingly. It also provides valuable market trend insights for businesses, helping them navigate the current economic landscape and make informed decisions. Companies should pay close attention to these sector-specific variations to optimize their supply chain operations and mitigate potential risks.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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ISM Report Shows Split Supply Chain Trends in Manufacturing Services

ISM Report Shows Split Supply Chain Trends in Manufacturing Services

The latest report from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reveals a diverging outlook for supply chain planning in the manufacturing and service sectors in the US. Businesses need to closely monitor market changes, flexibly adjust their supply chain strategies, and actively promote digital transformation to address uncertainties and seize growth opportunities. This requires proactive adaptation to the evolving economic landscape and strategic investments in technology to enhance resilience and agility within the supply chain.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Consumer Goods Firms Boost Profitability with Optimized SOP

Consumer Goods Firms Boost Profitability with Optimized SOP

The consumer goods and retail industry faces a rapidly changing market environment, making optimized Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) crucial. This paper delves into the core role, key elements, and optimization strategies of S&OP within the industry, emphasizing the importance of cross-departmental collaboration, technology application, and scenario planning. By implementing efficient S&OP processes, companies can enhance market responsiveness, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately improve profitability. Effective S&OP enables better alignment between supply and demand, leading to improved service levels and reduced costs.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Retail Logistics Strain Under Holiday Demand Higher Costs

Retail Logistics Strain Under Holiday Demand Higher Costs

The year-end holiday season sees a surge in logistics demand, with UPS and USPS raising parcel delivery volume forecasts. To manage peak season operational pressures, logistics companies like UPS and FedEx are implementing measures such as hiring seasonal employees and levying surcharges. Last-mile delivery remains the biggest challenge. Industry trends point towards collaboration and innovation to balance price and service quality, addressing future challenges. This includes exploring alternative delivery methods and optimizing routes to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction during periods of high demand and increased costs.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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