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
Read More
AFS Expert Highlights Key Trends in Freight Logistics Future

AFS Expert Highlights Key Trends in Freight Logistics Future

This episode of the 'Logistics Management' podcast features Tom Nightingale, President of AFS Logistics, providing an in-depth analysis of the freight market. Discussions cover peak season outlook, capacity rate analysis, nearshoring trends, and the impact of the Baltimore incident. The podcast offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains and navigate current market challenges. It provides expert perspectives on key factors influencing freight logistics and helps companies make informed decisions to improve efficiency and resilience.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
AFS Logistics Expert Analyzes Freight Market Trends Challenges

AFS Logistics Expert Analyzes Freight Market Trends Challenges

AFS Logistics expert Tom Nightingale interprets the freight market, analyzing peak season outlook, capacity rates, nearshoring, and the impact of the Baltimore incident. He emphasizes that companies need to optimize inventory, secure capacity, and diversify their supply chains to address challenges and seize opportunities. This includes proactive planning and strategic partnerships to navigate volatility and ensure resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics. By adopting these strategies, businesses can better position themselves for success in the current environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
AFS Logistics Highlights Freight Trends Supply Chain Resilience

AFS Logistics Highlights Freight Trends Supply Chain Resilience

AFS Logistics expert Tom Nightingale provides an in-depth analysis of the freight market, dissecting the Cowen/AFS Freight Index report. He explores peak season outlook, capacity rates, nearshoring trends, and the impact of the Baltimore bridge collapse on supply chains. Nightingale offers forward-looking insights to help businesses build resilient supply chains and navigate current market complexities. The discussion highlights key factors influencing freight costs and provides strategies for mitigating risks and optimizing logistics operations in a dynamic environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

US Ports Expand Infrastructure to Ease Supply Chain Delays

Descartes analyst Brendan McCahill provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and challenges of US port infrastructure. He highlights the need for West Coast ports to adapt to mega-ships, while East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are actively undergoing upgrades. To address natural disasters, ports should strengthen collaboration and information sharing. Future port development needs to focus on efficiency, technology, and cooperation to meet the challenges of the global supply chain. This includes investing in modern equipment and digital solutions to improve cargo flow and resilience.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Walmart Enforces Ontime Delivery Rule for Suppliers

Walmart Enforces Ontime Delivery Rule for Suppliers

Walmart's tightening of its 'On Time in Full' (OTIF) standards presents significant supply chain challenges for suppliers. To mitigate these challenges and transform them into opportunities, suppliers need to focus on optimizing their logistics and inventory management. Enhancing transparency throughout the supply chain is also crucial. Furthermore, proactive collaboration with Walmart is essential for understanding their expectations and aligning operations accordingly. By embracing these strategies, suppliers can navigate the evolving landscape and achieve mutual success with Walmart.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Container Imports Decline Amid Sluggish Consumer Demand

US Container Imports Decline Amid Sluggish Consumer Demand

S&P Global Market Intelligence data shows US import freight volumes fell 12% year-on-year in August, marking the 13th consecutive month of decline. Weak consumer demand is the primary driver, with significant drops in apparel, leisure goods, and electronics. Ongoing inventory reduction by businesses and a pessimistic manufacturing outlook suggest little improvement is expected in the fourth quarter. The future trajectory remains to be seen.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Import Decline Signals Potential Consumer Demand Slowdown

US Import Decline Signals Potential Consumer Demand Slowdown

S&P Global Market Intelligence reports that US imports declined for the 13th consecutive month in August. Weak consumer demand, poor performance in industrial goods, and retailers continuing to reduce inventories suggest a challenging fourth quarter. Experts highlight persistent weakness in consumer goods, including non-seasonal items, painting a concerning picture of the overall economic situation. The continued decline in imports, coupled with sluggish consumer spending, raises concerns about a potential economic slowdown in the US.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Truckload Rates Hit Record High Amid Supply Chain Strain

Truckload Rates Hit Record High Amid Supply Chain Strain

The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI) reached a new high, reflecting shippers' willingness to pay a premium to secure freight transportation amid supply chain bottlenecks. The October TVI hit 239, driven by rising spot rates and record-high fuel surcharges. Experts point to port congestion impacting freight volumes, and anticipate a potential decrease in truckload volumes in December. This surge in the TVI highlights the ongoing challenges and increased costs associated with moving goods across the country as businesses compete for limited capacity.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Firms Adopt New Strategies to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

Firms Adopt New Strategies to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

This paper delves into the challenges and opportunities within the current logistics management landscape. It focuses on key issues such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), multi-agent collaboration, supply chain resilience, warehouse management optimization, and labor shortages. The paper emphasizes how businesses can build more resilient and flexible supply chain systems to navigate an increasingly complex market environment. The importance of adapting to disruptions and leveraging automation for efficiency are also highlighted, advocating for proactive strategies to maintain competitiveness.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More