TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Shifts During Peak Season

TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Shifts During Peak Season

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals emerging trends in the freight market: LTL pricing impacted by Yellow's closure, fuel surcharges rebound; Ground parcel discounts deepen, but demand surcharges loom; Truckload sees a short-term volume increase, peak season expectations are muted. The index provides shippers with valuable insights for informed decision-making. The LTL market is experiencing significant price volatility due to the disruption caused by Yellow's bankruptcy. Shippers need to carefully monitor these changes and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index indicates a slight increase in LTL rates in Q3, driven by factors like Yellow's bankruptcy and soft demand. Parcel rates decreased. A muted peak season is anticipated for Q4, with limited TL freight growth. The index reflects the current complex and volatile freight market, along with a trend of shippers actively optimizing their logistics networks. The impact of Yellow's exit and ongoing economic uncertainty are key factors shaping the near-term outlook for the industry.

2025 Delivery Surge to Bring Higher Fees New Carriers

2025 Delivery Surge to Bring Higher Fees New Carriers

ShipMatrix forecasts a 5% increase in package volume during the 2025 peak season, but rising surcharges may reshape the carrier landscape. The rise of large enterprises and emerging logistics providers will challenge the market share of traditional carriers. Logistics companies need to optimize supply chains, diversify carriers, and invest in automation to cope with these changes. The increasing costs associated with peak season shipping, particularly surcharges, will force shippers to re-evaluate their strategies and potentially explore alternative delivery solutions.

Cambodia Faces Currency Challenges As Cashew Exports Grow

Cambodia Faces Currency Challenges As Cashew Exports Grow

Cambodia's foreign trade is diversifying by the end of 2025, with cashew exports expanding to the Middle East and growth in wire and cable exports. E-commerce taxation is becoming stricter, driving market expansion. However, the country faces challenges such as exchange rate fluctuations. The diversification efforts aim to reduce reliance on traditional markets and products, while the e-commerce tax aims to increase government revenue. Navigating the volatile exchange rates will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and stability in the Cambodian economy.

Women Gain Ground in Supply Chain Leadership

Women Gain Ground in Supply Chain Leadership

The representation of women in supply chain continues to increase, with the gender pay gap gradually narrowing, largely thanks to corporate DEI initiatives. However, career advancement bottlenecks and talent attrition remain challenges. Future efforts should focus on bolstering support for women's professional development and fostering an inclusive environment to promote gender equality and overall prosperity within the industry. Further research and targeted programs are needed to address the specific barriers women face and ensure their continued success in the supply chain field.

Amazon Tightens Return Rules for Thirdparty Sellers

Amazon Tightens Return Rules for Thirdparty Sellers

Amazon has updated its FBM return policy, automatically authorizing returns and mandating enrollment in the prepaid return label program, posing challenges for FBM sellers. Sellers need to proactively respond by optimizing products, improving service, and setting return rules to reduce return rates, increase profit margins, and adapt to Amazon's policy changes. This includes focusing on accurate product descriptions, high-quality packaging, and responsive customer service to minimize the need for returns and ensure a positive customer experience within the new framework.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

Recent data reveals a complex picture for the US rail freight market: carload volume saw a slight increase, but intermodal volume declined, reflecting challenges in economic recovery. While cumulative year-to-date figures show growth, concerns remain regarding supply chains and labor shortages. Railroad companies should focus on improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and embracing digital transformation to address future challenges. The decrease in intermodal volume suggests a potential shift in freight transport patterns or underlying economic pressures impacting consumer demand and international trade.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Index Rises but Lags Behind Previous Year

US Freight Index Rises but Lags Behind Previous Year

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a 1.1% month-over-month increase in the Freight Transportation Services Index in January, but a 0.2% year-over-year decrease. Trucking and rail transportation growth were the primary drivers, while pipeline and air freight faced challenges. In the long term, U.S. freight volume shows a steady growth trend, but the pandemic accelerated structural changes in the industry. Future technological innovation and green transformation will bring new opportunities to the freight industry.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Global Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Efficiency and Resilience

Global Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Efficiency and Resilience

Faced with the contradiction between sales growth and inventory reduction, companies are divided on lean supply chain strategies. Some choose to increase inventory to mitigate risks, while others adhere to lean principles, improving inventory management through process optimization and data analysis. This article explores how companies can balance efficiency and risk in a volatile environment to achieve sustainable development. The key is finding the right balance between minimizing waste and ensuring sufficient stock to meet customer demand and navigate potential disruptions.

Retailers Face Supply Chain Strains Postsuez Canal Blockage

Retailers Face Supply Chain Strains Postsuez Canal Blockage

The Suez Canal blockage exposed the fragility of global supply chains. Retail giants like Walmart and H&M, heavily reliant on maritime transport, faced inventory shortages and increased shipping costs. Companies should diversify their supply chains, increase inventory reserves, and strengthen risk management to improve supply chain transparency and resilience. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, developing contingency plans, and investing in technology for better visibility. Proactive measures are crucial to mitigate future disruptions and ensure business continuity in an increasingly uncertain global environment.