January Truckload Rates Rise As Intermodal Declines

January Truckload Rates Rise As Intermodal Declines

Cass Information Systems and Avondale Partners data reveals a divergence in U.S. trucking and rail intermodal rates in January, reflecting market supply and demand differences. Companies need to meticulously analyze routes, cargo types, and time requirements to flexibly adjust transportation strategies. This is crucial to navigate market fluctuations and maintain a competitive cost advantage. Understanding these dynamics allows for optimized logistics planning and efficient resource allocation in a constantly evolving freight landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
Trucking Industry Faces Winter Demandrate Imbalance DAT

Trucking Industry Faces Winter Demandrate Imbalance DAT

DAT's latest report indicates a divergence between demand and rates in the truckload spot market from January 26th to February 1st. Dry van rates decreased, while refrigerated demand and rates experienced a significant drop. Flatbed market remained relatively stable. Experts advise closely monitoring market data, optimizing operational efficiency, expanding business scope, strengthening customer relationships, and embracing technological innovation to navigate market challenges. These strategies can help carriers adapt to fluctuating demand and maintain profitability in a dynamic freight environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed divergence in the week ending August 7th. Carload traffic increased by 6.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by strong demand for metallic ores and coal. However, intermodal volume decreased by 0.6% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and truck driver shortages. While year-to-date figures remain positive, supply chain challenges and industrial restructuring remain key areas of focus moving forward.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carload Rises As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carload Rises As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed divergence in the week ending August 14. Carload traffic increased by 5.7% year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and metallic ores. Intermodal traffic decreased by 3% year-over-year, constrained by port congestion and other factors. Year-to-date figures show carload and intermodal traffic up 9% and 14.6% respectively. Railroad companies need to adopt differentiated strategies to address the changing market dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Global Firms Adapt Strategies to Fragmented Markets for Growth

Global Firms Adapt Strategies to Fragmented Markets for Growth

With a slow and divergent global economy, companies expanding overseas should focus on demand structures rather than just countries. EU carbon compliance transforms data chains into productivity, while freight rate divergence requires institutionalized hedging against delivery risks. Businesses should build carbon data systems to improve European access, strengthen compliance documents to reduce investment uncertainty, and manage delivery risks through multi-corridor strategies. By developing structured capabilities to address the new normal, companies can achieve sustainable growth.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Trucking Rebounds in September Amid Retail Housing Demand

US Trucking Rebounds in September Amid Retail Housing Demand

American Trucking Associations data shows a significant rebound in the truck tonnage index for September, although year-over-year it remains down. Strong demand in retail and residential construction contrasts with continued weakness in industrial freight, highlighting a clear market divergence. Looking ahead, attention should be paid to structural economic changes. Companies need to refine their operations and adjust their strategies to navigate this evolving landscape. This requires a more nuanced approach to capacity management and market segmentation.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
Container Shipping Industry Aims for Recovery in 2026 After Volatile Year

Container Shipping Industry Aims for Recovery in 2026 After Volatile Year

The container shipping market in 2025 is turbulent, marked by fluctuating freight rates, regional divergence, the Red Sea crisis, and disruptions from trade policies. Oversupply coexists with fragmented demand, putting pressure on the Europe route while Southeast Asia shines. Looking ahead to 2026, capacity growth is expected to slow, narrowing the supply-demand gap. The resumption of shipping through the Red Sea is a crucial variable. To navigate these challenges and seize opportunities, companies need to diversify their strategies, refine their services, and strengthen risk management.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Truck and Trailer Orders Drop Sharply Raising Concerns

US Truck and Trailer Orders Drop Sharply Raising Concerns

US Class 8 truck and trailer orders fell 39% year-over-year in January, drawing market attention. The report indicates that the decline is a correction from previous high growth, while underlying demand remains strong. Experts believe the market outlook is optimistic, but structural opportunities should be closely monitored. The divergence in performance between truck and trailer orders necessitates a rational view of market fluctuations and a focus on future development trends. This requires careful analysis to understand the nuances of the current freight economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Growth Mixed As Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Growth Mixed As Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.4% for the week ending August 27, driven by gains in coal, grain, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volume decreased by 0.3% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carloads are up slightly by 0.1%, while intermodal volume has declined significantly by 5.3%, reflecting ongoing supply chain challenges and shifting demand patterns. This divergence highlights the complex dynamics influencing the rail freight sector and its role as an economic indicator.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
North America Sees Surge in Domestic Intermodal Transport

North America Sees Surge in Domestic Intermodal Transport

Amidst trade uncertainties, domestic intermodal transportation is becoming crucial for growth in the North American multimodal market. This analysis highlights the divergence between international and domestic markets, differences in cross-border transportation, and the phenomenon of early peak seasons. It emphasizes that domestic intermodal is key to future success, requiring a breakthrough of the 'donut effect.' Furthermore, attention should be paid to global shipping, truck supply, and other uncertainties to facilitate market share recovery and growth. The report analyzes how these factors collectively shape the current and future landscape of North American intermodal freight.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More