ATA Economist Analyzes Postpandemic Freight Market Trends at RILA

ATA Economist Analyzes Postpandemic Freight Market Trends at RILA

Freight economics expert Bob Costello analyzed at the RILA conference, predicting a slowdown in future economic growth while maintaining a solid foundation. Consumption and employment are the driving forces, while real estate and trade frictions pose risks. He advised freight companies to focus on technological innovation, last-mile logistics, and driver compensation. Strengthening risk management and establishing strategic partnerships are crucial for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the evolving freight landscape. The underlying economy is still strong, but companies need to be prepared for potential headwinds.

ATA Economist Predicts Freight Industry Trends at RILA Conference

ATA Economist Predicts Freight Industry Trends at RILA Conference

Bob Costello, Chief Economist at the American Trucking Associations, provided an in-depth analysis of the freight economic outlook at the RILA Retail Supply Chain Conference. He forecasts an economic slowdown rather than a recession in the near term, but a recession is inevitable, potentially in 2021. Despite challenges in the housing market, economic fundamentals remain solid, with strong manufacturing output. Long-term driver compensation has lagged, and increasing driver pay is crucial for the industry's sustainability and attracting new talent.

ATA Economist Examines Freight Market Trends at RILA Event

ATA Economist Examines Freight Market Trends at RILA Event

Bob Costello, Chief Economist at the American Trucking Associations, provided an in-depth analysis of the current state and future trends of the freight economy at the Retail Industry Leaders Association conference. He forecasts continued economic growth, albeit at a slower pace, emphasizing the strength of key economic fundamentals. Costello also highlighted challenges such as long-term lagging driver compensation. Despite existing uncertainties, he remains optimistic about the future of economic and freight growth.

New CSCRM 2026 Standards to Elevate Freight Industry Practices

New CSCRM 2026 Standards to Elevate Freight Industry Practices

The Cargo Services Conference Resolutions Manual (CSCRM) 2026 edition is a leading guide for freight services, covering key areas like cargo handling, documentation, ULD control, and dangerous goods transportation. Based on IATA Resolutions and Recommended Practices, it offers practical guidance to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. The 2026 edition is effective from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Smart Shipping Cuts Costs for SF Dry Freight Exporters

Smart Shipping Cuts Costs for SF Dry Freight Exporters

SF Dry Freight is an economical trunk transportation solution for large and heavy goods, reducing costs through land transportation while offering better delivery times than regular logistics. Foreign trade companies can plan ahead, communicate with customers, and choose the appropriate transportation method based on the weight of the goods, thereby achieving a balance between cost reduction and efficiency improvement. This allows businesses to optimize their logistics strategy and maintain competitiveness in the global market.

YRC Freight Expands Nextday Delivery in South Central US

YRC Freight Expands Nextday Delivery in South Central US

YRC Freight enhances its network structure by expanding its regional next-day service in the South Central region and Waco, Texas, aiming to improve operational efficiency and service quality. This move is the latest in its enterprise network optimization strategy, designed to increase network density, reduce freight handling, and decrease empty miles. Despite facing financial challenges, YRC Freight's network optimization strategy is expected to provide long-term competitive advantages. The expansion focuses on streamlining operations and improving delivery times within key regional markets.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Roadrunner CEO Eyes LTL Growth Amid Freight Market Slump

Roadrunner CEO Eyes LTL Growth Amid Freight Market Slump

Roadrunner's CEO believes LTL performed well during the freight recession, benefiting from nearshoring and e-commerce. The collapse of Yellow presents opportunities. Roadrunner is focusing on its core business and technological innovation to capitalize on these trends. They are positioning themselves to take advantage of the shifting landscape in the freight market and believe their strategic focus will lead to future success. The company aims to leverage technology to improve efficiency and customer service in the competitive LTL sector.

Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Faced with rising freight costs and driver shortages, shippers are actively adjusting their strategies. Six major trends in freight management are emerging: portfolio freight management, collaborative efforts to address driver shortages, reducing detention time, increasing private fleets, adopting technology to manage fleets, and developing autonomous trucks. These trends will reshape the future of freight, helping businesses manage logistics more efficiently. The adoption of autonomous driving especially promises to revolutionize long-haul transportation and alleviate driver scarcity, offering a potential solution to current industry challenges.

US Rail Freight Mixed in March Coal Autos Rise

US Rail Freight Mixed in March Coal Autos Rise

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes decreased year-over-year in the first week of March, while coal, petroleum, and automotive shipments bucked the trend with increases. Economic downturn, inflation, and supply chain issues are key contributing factors. Logistics companies need to optimize operations, expand services, strengthen partnerships, and embrace digitalization to address challenges and seize opportunities. These strategies are crucial for navigating the current economic climate and ensuring future growth in the face of fluctuating freight demands.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Freight to Operate Independently Under Smith and Martin

Fedex Freight to Operate Independently Under Smith and Martin

FedEx Freight is set to spin off into an independent publicly traded company, with John A. Smith appointed as President and CEO, and R. Brad Martin as Chairman of the Board. This strategic move aims to unlock growth potential, enhance shareholder value, and optimize the company's business portfolio. The spinoff, expected to be completed before June 2026, will create a leading pure-play Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carrier and is poised to significantly impact the entire LTL shipping industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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