New Predictive Freight Index Aims to Forecast Shipping Rates

New Predictive Freight Index Aims to Forecast Shipping Rates

Cowen and AFS have partnered to launch a freight index, forecasting LTL, truckload, and parcel rates. The inaugural index reveals an increase in truckload rates and a decrease in LTL weight. This index provides valuable insights into the current state of the freight market and offers predictive analysis for future trends. It aims to assist shippers and carriers in making informed decisions regarding pricing and capacity planning. The index will be updated regularly to reflect the dynamic nature of the logistics industry.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
DHL Expands Norfolk Hub to Strengthen Eastern Virginia Trade

DHL Expands Norfolk Hub to Strengthen Eastern Virginia Trade

DHL Express has upgraded its Norfolk Service Center with a $7.3 million investment to expand its operations, enhance cargo handling capacity, and shorten cut-off times. This upgrade optimizes global network connectivity and introduces electric vehicles to support sustainable development. The new facility aims to serve the Eastern Virginia region, helping businesses expand their global reach, particularly those in B2B, B2C e-commerce, and government-related services. This investment underscores DHL's commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability in its logistics network.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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
Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

Pandemic Reshapes Ecommerce Logistics and Carrier Relations

The pandemic accelerated the transformation of e-commerce logistics, exposing bottlenecks in transportation capacity and information asymmetry. Instant delivery has emerged, offering new options for e-commerce businesses. In the future, carriers and e-commerce companies will deepen cooperation and leverage technology to drive differentiated services to address market challenges. This includes optimizing last-mile delivery, improving real-time tracking, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency to meet evolving customer expectations and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Industry Struggles With Extreme Weather Resilience

US Freight Industry Struggles With Extreme Weather Resilience

Extreme weather significantly impacts US freight logistics, causing delays, increased costs, and supply chain disruptions. Businesses are responding with strategies such as communication, route adjustments, resource optimization, and technology adoption. The retail sector, affected by demand surges and capacity constraints, needs to prepare in advance and adjust flexibly. Future resilience requires strengthening infrastructure, developing intermodal transportation, promoting green logistics, and fostering international cooperation. These measures will help mitigate the impact of extreme weather on the freight logistics and supply chain.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

CH Robinson Waymo Via Partner on Autonomous Freight Tech

C.H. Robinson partnered with Waymo Via to test the application of autonomous trucks in logistics on the Dallas-Houston route. This collaboration aims to improve efficiency and address capacity challenges within the freight transportation sector. The pilot program explores how self-driving technology can optimize supply chains and contribute to more streamlined and reliable freight movement. The partnership highlights the growing interest in leveraging automation to enhance logistics operations and solve industry-wide issues related to driver shortages and increasing demand.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Constellation Brands Faces Beer Shortage Amid Brown Glass Supply Crisis

Constellation Brands Faces Beer Shortage Amid Brown Glass Supply Crisis

Constellation Brands faces a brown glass shortage, impacting inventory of imported beers like Pacifico. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures, the company is actively addressing these issues through joint ventures, capacity expansion, and localization strategies. These efforts aim to maintain growth momentum within its beer business, mitigating the impact of the glass shortage and broader economic headwinds. The company remains focused on optimizing its supply chain and adapting to the evolving market landscape to ensure consistent product availability.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Trucking Industrys 34hour Restart Rule Suspended Amid Safety Debate

Trucking Industrys 34hour Restart Rule Suspended Amid Safety Debate

The U.S. 34-hour restart rule was suspended due to its failure to achieve the anticipated safety benefits and its negative impact on transportation efficiency. A Department of Transportation Inspector General's report confirmed that the rule did not deliver the expected safety improvements. The suspension of the rule is expected to free up capacity and reduce costs. Future regulations should be data-driven and balance safety with efficiency, ensuring that safety measures are effective without unduly hindering the flow of goods and services.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Uganda Boosts Wildlife Trade Enforcement with WCO Backing

Uganda Boosts Wildlife Trade Enforcement with WCO Backing

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Inama Project, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is actively enhancing its capacity to combat Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT). Through initiatives such as developing a CITES Enforcement Manual, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and raising public awareness, Uganda is poised to play a greater role in protecting endangered species and contributing significantly to global biodiversity conservation. The efforts focus on improving customs enforcement practices to effectively intercept and prevent the illegal trade of wildlife products.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Trucking Industry Struggles Amid Prolonged Profit Decline

Trucking Industry Struggles Amid Prolonged Profit Decline

The Trucking Conditions Index remains weak, suggesting the industry downturn may persist into early 2024. Key factors include soft demand, excess capacity, and rising costs. Small businesses face significant challenges. Companies should optimize operations, expand their customer base, and strengthen cost control measures to cope with the situation, while anticipating industry recovery. The prolonged slump is impacting profitability and forcing companies to adapt to survive the economic headwinds. Strategic planning and efficient resource management are crucial for navigating this difficult period.

01/17/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More