Freight Market Rebounds As Trucking LTL and Parcel Prices Rise by 2026

Freight Market Rebounds As Trucking LTL and Parcel Prices Rise by 2026

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report suggests a potential freight market recovery by 2026. Truckload capacity is contracting amidst weak demand, while LTL pricing remains firm. Parcel costs are rising due to surcharges and billing rules. Businesses should monitor these market dynamics, optimize their operations, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The report highlights the importance of adapting to evolving conditions in the freight sector to maintain competitiveness and efficiency in logistics management. Strategic planning and proactive adjustments are crucial for navigating the changing landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ocean Freight Guide Mastering Volumetric Weight to Cut Costs

Ocean Freight Guide Mastering Volumetric Weight to Cut Costs

International sea freight calculation is complex, and volumetric weight is often a pain point for businesses. This article analyzes sea freight billing rules, reveals common pitfalls, and provides practical strategies such as volume compression and optimized loading to help businesses accurately control costs, avoid unnecessary losses, and maximize profits. It delves into understanding how volumetric weight is calculated and its impact on overall shipping expenses. Furthermore, the paper offers actionable advice for minimizing the impact of volumetric weight on freight costs.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending January 31st. Significant decreases were seen in coal, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicle parts shipments. Despite the weak single-week performance, cumulative freight volume for the year remains positive. Key influencing factors include the economic environment, changes in industry structure, and competitive landscape. Future infrastructure investments and technological innovations are expected to drive the development of rail freight.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Declines Amid Economic Uncertainty

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 19, 2023. Carloads of motor vehicles, coal, and petroleum products increased, while grain, forest products, and farm products & food carloads declined. Year-to-date figures show a slight increase in rail freight carloads but a significant decrease in intermodal volume. Macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, supply chains, and energy prices are among the multiple factors influencing rail freight transportation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Amid Positive Outlook

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Amid Positive Outlook

US rail freight performance diverged in June, with carload traffic declining while intermodal volume growth slowed. This suggests a weakening economic momentum. Ongoing energy transition and supply chain adjustments continue to influence freight patterns. The decrease in carload traffic could be attributed to reduced demand for specific commodities, while the slower intermodal growth might reflect broader economic uncertainties and shifting consumer preferences. Further analysis is needed to fully understand the underlying drivers and their long-term implications for the rail freight industry.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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Roadrunner Opens New LTL Hub in New York Metro Area

Roadrunner Opens New LTL Hub in New York Metro Area

Roadrunner Freight has opened a new LTL terminal in the New York-New Jersey area to enhance outbound freight capabilities in the Northeast and meet customer demand. By collaborating with agents and optimizing its independent contractor network, Roadrunner is expanding its service coverage and improving operational efficiency. This expansion aims to provide customers with more reliable, flexible, and economical logistics solutions. The new terminal will support increased freight volume and improve transit times for shipments within and beyond the region.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Slows Amid Economic Uncertainty

North American Rail Freight Slows Amid Economic Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a year-over-year decrease in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the week ending February 4th. While carloads of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum increased, coal, grain, and chemicals declined. Overall North American freight volume experienced a slight dip. Factors like economic cycles, supply chain issues, and the energy transition are impacting freight volumes. Companies need strategies such as service diversification, technological innovation, and network optimization to adapt to these evolving market trends.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

Recent US rail freight data reveals a significant increase in container traffic driven by e-commerce growth. However, demand for traditional commodities like coal continues to decline, leading to a divergence in overall freight volumes. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume remains lower than last year. Railway companies are actively pursuing diversification and intelligent transformation strategies to address these challenges. The shift reflects broader trends in energy consumption and the evolving landscape of the transportation sector, requiring adaptation and innovation for sustained growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Rail Freight Industry Adapts to Shifting Market Trends

Rail Freight Industry Adapts to Shifting Market Trends

This article delves into the rail freight and multimodal transportation sector, analyzing market conditions, service levels, freight volume fluctuations, and potential industry consolidation. It particularly focuses on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, industry expert Tony Hatch interprets industry trends, analyzes policy influences, and forecasts future operating models. This provides readers with valuable insights into the rail freight market, offering a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and potential future developments.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Indonesiachina Shipping Costs Key Trends and Challenges

Indonesiachina Shipping Costs Key Trends and Challenges

This article provides a detailed analysis of the factors influencing sea freight costs from Indonesia to China, including cargo weight, volume, distance, container type, seasonality, and fuel prices. It offers a reference range for sea freight rates and transit times. The importance of port charges and cargo insurance is emphasized. Practical cost-saving tips are shared to help businesses reduce their sea freight expenses. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective logistics planning and budget management when shipping goods between Indonesia and China.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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