Cass Freight Index Warns of Economic Slowdown

Cass Freight Index Warns of Economic Slowdown

The Cass Freight Index indicates a potential economic downturn, with both freight volume and expenditures declining in October. Freight volume decreased by 9.5% year-over-year, while expenditures fell by 23.3%. Experts attribute this to high inflation, supply chain easing, and shifting consumer spending habits. To navigate these challenges, businesses should optimize their supply chains, enhance data analytics, and flexibly adjust pricing strategies. These measures can help companies adapt to the evolving market conditions and mitigate the impact of the economic slowdown.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Transportation Market Trends

New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Transportation Market Trends

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is a quarterly report designed to provide institutional investors with predictive pricing tools covering key freight sectors like Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), and Parcel. Leveraging AFS Logistics' vast data and Cowen's expert analysis, the index offers forward-looking, granular, and technology-driven market insights to empower investment decisions. It aims to provide a comprehensive view of the freight market, enabling informed strategies and risk management for investors navigating the complexities of the transportation industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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
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Uschina Ocean Freight Efficiency Gains Focus

Uschina Ocean Freight Efficiency Gains Focus

This article provides an in-depth analysis of optimal route selection for ocean freight from China to the US, covering port selection, container shipping methods, vessel types, and factors influencing transit time. It also addresses frequently asked questions regarding freight cost calculation and cargo tracking, aiming to assist businesses in optimizing their China-US ocean freight strategies. This includes considerations for efficient container utilization and minimizing potential delays through strategic port choices and understanding the nuances of different shipping lines.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Singaporemalaysia Sea Freight Seeks Faster Shipping Times

Singaporemalaysia Sea Freight Seeks Faster Shipping Times

This article delves into the transit time of international express delivery from Singapore to Malaysia via sea freight. It highlights that standard sea freight typically takes 3-5 business days, expedited sea freight 2-3 business days, and air express 1-2 business days. The article further explores influencing factors such as vessel type, shipping company, cargo characteristics, and customs clearance efficiency. It proposes strategies for accelerating delivery, including selecting reputable shipping companies, utilizing expedited services, and optimizing customs clearance procedures.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Amazon FBA Sellers Guide to Air Freight Shipping

Amazon FBA Sellers Guide to Air Freight Shipping

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the operational process of FBA first leg air freight for cross-border e-commerce. It details the core differences between FBA air freight and regular air freight, including distinctions in recipient, packaging labeling, customs clearance responsibilities, and warehousing integration. The aim is to offer cross-border e-commerce sellers a professional and practical guide to optimize their logistics strategies and improve operational efficiency. This guide helps sellers understand key considerations for successful FBA air shipments.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Shipping Costs and Times from Zhejiang to Thailand Analyzed

Shipping Costs and Times from Zhejiang to Thailand Analyzed

This article provides an in-depth analysis of various cost factors associated with sea freight from Zhejiang, China to Thailand, including shipment type, cargo weight and volume, route distance, and sea freight company services. It also details potential surcharges. Furthermore, the article evaluates air freight transit times, offering readers a reference point for making informed decisions between sea and air transport. This comparison helps businesses optimize their logistics strategies by considering both cost and speed when shipping goods between China and Thailand.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Strong Consumer Demand Fails to Lift Freight Sector

Strong Consumer Demand Fails to Lift Freight Sector

At the SMC3 Jump Start 2024 Conference, Armada's Prather pointed out a "decoupling" between the positive macroeconomic indicators and the cooling freight market. This is attributed to various factors including shifts in consumption patterns, adjustments in inventory management strategies, regionalization of supply chains, and technological advancements. Consequently, it's no longer reliable to solely rely on macroeconomic indicators to predict the performance of the freight market. These structural changes necessitate a more nuanced approach to understanding the dynamics of freight demand.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Strong Consumer Spending Fails to Boost Freight Demand

Strong Consumer Spending Fails to Boost Freight Demand

Armada's Mr. Prather pointed out at the SMC3 J meeting that the freight market can sometimes be disconnected from the broader macroeconomy. Changes in consumption patterns and optimized inventory management strategies are potential drivers of this phenomenon. Businesses need a deep understanding of different industry dynamics. Freight companies should also innovate their service models to adapt to these shifts and better serve the evolving needs of their customers. This requires a proactive approach to understanding and responding to the factors influencing freight demand.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Industry Grapples With Capacity Crunch Amid Shifting Demand

US Trucking Industry Grapples With Capacity Crunch Amid Shifting Demand

American Trucking Associations data showed a decline in freight tonnage in July, raising concerns about an economic downturn. Analysis suggests that supply constraints (driver shortages, equipment shortages) are the primary cause, rather than weak demand. The report delves into the multiple factors influencing freight volume and proposes industry response strategies and policy recommendations aimed at promoting the healthy development of the U.S. trucking industry. It highlights the importance of addressing these supply-side bottlenecks to ensure efficient freight movement and support economic growth.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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