AFS Cowen Launch Predictive Freight Index for Market Trends

AFS Cowen Launch Predictive Freight Index for Market Trends

Cowen, in partnership with AFS, has launched a forward-looking freight index designed to provide institutional clients with accurate pricing tools across LTL, TL, and parcel shipping. The index leverages AI and ML technologies to forecast future rates and incorporates macroeconomic factors. The inaugural report reveals key trends such as rising truckload rates and declining less-than-truckload (LTL) weights. This index offers valuable decision-making insights for the logistics industry by providing a data-driven perspective on anticipated freight market conditions and potential cost fluctuations.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index report reveals a diverging trend across various transportation modes in the US freight market, amidst weak demand and excess capacity. Truckload transportation shows cautious optimism, while the parcel sector witnesses intense pricing strategy competition. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) transportation faces challenges in maintaining pricing discipline. The report provides crucial decision-making insights for industry participants, highlighting the nuances in pricing and demand dynamics across different freight segments. It offers a valuable overview of the current market conditions and potential future trends.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Q1 Trucking Gains Amid Parcel Pricing Shifts LTL Weakness

Q1 Trucking Gains Amid Parcel Pricing Shifts LTL Weakness

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report indicates flat but promising truckload demand, successful yet competitive parcel pricing strategies, and firm but fracturing LTL rates. The report offers valuable market trend insights for freight market participants. While truckload shows signs of improvement, parcel faces intense competition. LTL, though currently stable, shows potential weaknesses. The index provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the freight market, assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions based on observed trends and pricing dynamics across different modes of transport.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fedexusps Partnership in Doubt As Ecommerce Shifts Strategies

Fedexusps Partnership in Doubt As Ecommerce Shifts Strategies

The partnership between FedEx and the United States Postal Service (USPS) faces renewal challenges as USPS reduces air cargo volume, impacting FedEx's revenue. Both parties need to re-evaluate their collaboration model to seek mutually beneficial outcomes. FedEx is optimizing operations through the DRIVE program to navigate uncertainty. Industry experts hold differing views, making future developments noteworthy. The reduced air cargo volume from USPS presents a significant hurdle in the renewal negotiations, requiring FedEx to adapt and potentially explore alternative strategies to maintain profitability.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Ocean Freight Delays Challenge Crossborder Logistics

Global Ocean Freight Delays Challenge Crossborder Logistics

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the transit time characteristics of major global sea freight routes. It reveals key factors influencing sea freight transit time, including route distance, vessel type, port efficiency, and seasonal climate. The aim is to help cross-border e-commerce sellers and international traders accurately control the lifeline of cross-border logistics, optimize transportation plans, reduce operating costs, and enhance market competitiveness. It offers valuable insights for improving supply chain efficiency and making informed decisions regarding sea freight options.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Logistics Giant Falls As Chinese Forwarders Gain Ground

US Logistics Giant Falls As Chinese Forwarders Gain Ground

The bankruptcy of a major US warehousing and logistics company reveals the challenges of traditional models. Emerging Chinese freight forwarders are gaining market share with efficiency and competitive pricing, but face compliance risks. The industry is undergoing a rapid reshuffle with stricter regulations, making compliance crucial for survival. In the future, only companies that adapt to market changes and improve service quality will thrive in the competition. The focus shifts towards sustainable growth and adherence to regulations for long-term success in the evolving US logistics landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to DDP and DDU Incoterms in Global Shipping

Guide to DDP and DDU Incoterms in Global Shipping

This article delves into the core differences between DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) in international shipping. It provides a detailed comparison of these two Incoterms, highlighting variations in customs clearance responsibilities, tax and duty obligations, risk transfer, and operational complexity. The article offers guidance on choosing between DDP and DDU based on specific scenarios and emphasizes the importance of clear contract terms. This aims to help businesses mitigate risks and optimize costs in international trade by making informed decisions regarding delivery terms.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Zinc Market Guide Purity Alloys and Trade Risks Explained

Zinc Market Guide Purity Alloys and Trade Risks Explained

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the classification standards for zinc and its products, including the definitions and distinctions between pure zinc, zinc alloys, and zinc powder, as well as the applications of different forms of zinc materials. It also lists relevant HS codes and offers practical advice for procuring zinc and its products, aiming to assist readers in making informed decisions and avoiding potential risks in international trade. This guide serves as a valuable resource for understanding zinc classifications and navigating the procurement process.

01/19/2026 HS Code Query
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Biden Infrastructure Plan Targets US Ports to Ease Supply Chain Strains

Biden Infrastructure Plan Targets US Ports to Ease Supply Chain Strains

The United States is investing $17 billion to upgrade its ports, aiming to resolve supply chain bottlenecks and enhance competitiveness. The measures include increased funding, congestion relief initiatives, and the launch of modernization projects. This investment seeks to improve port efficiency, reduce shipping delays, and ultimately strengthen the nation's trade infrastructure. The upgrades are expected to have a significant impact on the overall supply chain, making it more resilient and responsive to future disruptions. This initiative is largely funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Assessing Warehouse Operations to Boost Efficiency Competitiveness

Assessing Warehouse Operations to Boost Efficiency Competitiveness

Against the backdrop of booming e-commerce and increasing labor shortages, businesses urgently need to assess warehouse operations, optimize processes, upgrade technology, and strengthen personnel management to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet customer expectations. This paper delves into the core content and improvement directions of warehouse operations assessment, aiming to help companies build efficient, flexible, and intelligent warehouses for sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision making and continuous improvement strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic market.

01/19/2026 Warehousing
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