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
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LTL Freight Pricing Can Rate Bureaus Adapt As Rating Agencies

LTL Freight Pricing Can Rate Bureaus Adapt As Rating Agencies

LTL freight pricing is transitioning from static rate tables to dynamic pricing models. Traditional rate tables lack flexibility, and dimensional pricing, while beneficial, remains insufficient. The future trend is dynamic pricing based on real-time market conditions, but existing TMS systems pose a bottleneck. Former rate-making bodies could transform into rating agencies, providing expert services. Drawing on the experience of airline dynamic pricing, building a neutral platform is key to promoting intelligent collaboration and achieving win-win outcomes for the industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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STB Probes BNSF Acquisition Costs in Rail Rate Fairness Review

STB Probes BNSF Acquisition Costs in Rail Rate Fairness Review

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) held hearings regarding Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of BNSF Railway, focusing on the impact of the acquisition premium on rail freight rates. Shippers expressed concerns that the premium would be passed on to freight rates, while BNSF argued the impact would be minimal. Experts pointed out that BNSF is the only railroad allowed to value its assets at market prices, which differentiates its cost basis from other companies. The debate centers around whether this unique accounting practice allows BNSF to justify higher rates compared to its peers.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Demand Weakens in September Amid Minor Rate Rise

US Truckload Demand Weakens in September Amid Minor Rate Rise

The US truckload freight market in September exhibited a peculiar phenomenon: volume decreased while rates increased. DAT data indicates a decline in dry van and refrigerated freight volumes, with a slight increase in flatbed. Spot rates generally rose, but contract rates showed mixed trends. Analysts suggest the rate increase isn't demand-driven but rather due to freight imbalances and capacity shifts, indicating structural market issues and potential challenges for the peak season. Carriers should be wary of risks, as the industry may face a downturn.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Tencent Ads Boosts Home Furnishing Leads by 300

Tencent Ads Boosts Home Furnishing Leads by 300

Shi Nan Cross-border Logistics Navigation leveraged Tencent Ads' Lead Management Platform to boost the qualified lead rate in the home furnishing industry from under 20% to 60%, resulting in a 300% increase in conversion rate. This success was attributed to unified lead management, faster customer service follow-up, and improved call connection rates. Through refined operations, the platform helps businesses reduce transaction costs and achieve sustainable growth by streamlining lead nurturing and qualification processes.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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