Shippers Face Ongoing Freight Market Struggles

Shippers Face Ongoing Freight Market Struggles

FTR's Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) indicates that despite a rebound, shippers still face significant challenges as it remains in negative territory. The analysis covers influencing factors such as fuel costs, freight volume, capacity utilization, and freight rates. It suggests strategies for shippers to navigate these challenges, including optimizing supply chains, diversifying transportation modes, strengthening collaborations, and leveraging technological innovations. The aim is to help shippers find opportunities amidst the difficulties in the current freight market.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Industry Rebounds Strongly Despite Economic Uncertainty

US Trucking Industry Rebounds Strongly Despite Economic Uncertainty

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) report indicates a rebound in the U.S. Freight Tonnage Index for June, although it remains down year-over-year. Economic reopening is driving freight volume recovery, but the risk of a second wave of the pandemic persists. Freight companies need to closely monitor the pandemic's development, optimize operations, diversify businesses, strengthen risk management, embrace digital transformation, focus on sustainability, and prioritize talent development to navigate market changes and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Freight Spot Rates Edge Up As Market Weakness Persists

Freight Spot Rates Edge Up As Market Weakness Persists

DAT reports mixed signals for the US truckload freight market in October. While overall freight volumes declined, spot rates saw a slight rebound. Experts attribute this to weak demand, exacerbated by excess capacity. Looking ahead to 2025, the market continues to face challenges. Companies need to focus on refined operations, diversification, technological advancements, and robust risk management to navigate the market downturn.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Air Freight Rates Tips for Efficient Inquiries

US Air Freight Rates Tips for Efficient Inquiries

This article delves into the official channels for US air freight rate inquiries. It analyzes the various functions of the inquiry systems and provides a practical operational guide to help shippers efficiently complete rate inquiries and optimize logistics costs. The content covers detailed explanations of system functions such as official phone inquiries, capacity/cargo tracking, and historical freight rate inquiries. It also includes inquiry steps, precautions, and frequently asked questions, empowering users to effectively manage their air freight expenses.

02/06/2026 Logistics
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US Trucking Rebounds As September Freight Volume Rises

US Trucking Rebounds As September Freight Volume Rises

American Trucking Associations data shows a significant rebound in freight volume in September, up 6.7% month-over-month, but still down 2.7% year-over-year. Strong performance in retail and residential construction sectors drove the growth. Despite challenges like high inflation, geopolitical risks, and labor shortages, the trucking industry needs to embrace technological innovation, diversified services, and sustainable development to navigate future uncertainties. The rebound suggests a potential strengthening in the overall economy, though headwinds remain.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Retail Sales Rebound in February

US Retail Sales Rebound in February

US retail sales saw a moderate increase of 0.6% in February, according to recent data. Excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants, sales rose by 0.2% month-over-month. This positive signal suggests that consumer spending remains resilient. Retailers should capitalize on these market dynamics and prepare for peak seasons, while also closely monitoring the broader macroeconomic environment.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing PMI Surges Signaling Rebound

US Manufacturing PMI Surges Signaling Rebound

The latest ISM report shows the manufacturing PMI surged to 52.6, the first expansion in nearly a year, signaling a rebound in manufacturing activity. The overall economy has been growing for 15 consecutive months, with the growth rate accelerating. The recovery in manufacturing is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the overall economy. Businesses should seize the opportunities and actively adjust their strategies to capitalize on this upturn.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing PMI Signals Growth Rebound

US Manufacturing PMI Signals Growth Rebound

The latest US ISM data shows the Manufacturing PMI returning to expansion territory after nearly a year, recording 52.6, a significant increase from the previous month. This suggests a potential recovery in US manufacturing, which could accelerate the overall economic growth. However, the sustainability of this manufacturing recovery needs further observation.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Shipping Market Freight Rate Survey Challenges and Opportunities in a New Pattern

Global Shipping Market Freight Rate Survey Challenges and Opportunities in a New Pattern

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the fluctuations in global shipping market freight rates from late August to September, covering routes from China to Latin America, Europe, North America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. It reveals the challenges and opportunities across various routes, offering crucial market insights for shippers and logistics professionals.

08/19/2024 Logistics Industry Insights
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