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 Market Faces Tariff Uncertainty Demand Volatility

Freight Market Faces Tariff Uncertainty Demand Volatility

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report highlights the impact of tariffs, consumer confidence, and other factors on the freight market. Full Truckload (FTL) is affected by tariffs and regionalization trends. Parcel shipping sees a shift in pricing strategies, while Less-than-Truckload (LTL) pricing demonstrates resilience. Companies need to pay attention to market changes, optimize their supply chains, and embrace green transportation to address challenges and seize opportunities. Focusing on adaptability and sustainable practices will be key to navigating the evolving freight landscape.

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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VAT Promotes Fair Trade in Global Commerce

VAT Promotes Fair Trade in Global Commerce

This article explores how Value Added Tax (VAT) serves as a facilitator of fair competition in international trade, distinguishing it from tariffs. VAT achieves tax neutrality through a multi-stage payment mechanism, providing equal opportunities for all businesses, ensuring that goods are taxed in the consuming country rather than the producing country, thereby promoting growth in international trade.

08/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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International Freight Forwarding Quotes: The Quick Guide to Key Questions

International Freight Forwarding Quotes: The Quick Guide to Key Questions

Obtaining accurate quotes is crucial in international freight forwarding. Effective communication can be achieved by asking clients key questions, including transportation modes, departure ports, types of goods, packaging details, and destination information. By focusing on essential information rather than getting bogged down by trivial details, it becomes easier to meet client needs and establish a solid working relationship.

07/14/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Freight Forwarding Industry Faces Growing Operational Complexities

Freight Forwarding Industry Faces Growing Operational Complexities

This article addresses common issues in the freight forwarding process, such as customs declaration cancellation, return of goods, fumigation, late declaration, booking, fleet selection, container handling, and gross weight verification. It provides detailed answers and practical suggestions to help freight forwarders efficiently solve problems and improve work efficiency. The guide aims to provide clarity and best practices for navigating these challenges and ensuring smooth operations within the logistics chain.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to Accurate VGM Declarations for Shipping Compliance

Guide to Accurate VGM Declarations for Shipping Compliance

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the VGM (Verified Gross Mass) steps in the new shipping process. It emphasizes the importance of confirming shipping information, obtaining accurate container numbers, and acquiring the actual tare weight from the container's data plate. Following these steps ensures the safe and compliant transport of goods, avoiding delays and additional costs. Proper VGM implementation is crucial for adherence to regulations and efficient supply chain management.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Golf Cart Exports Streamlined to Port Klang

Golf Cart Exports Streamlined to Port Klang

This article outlines the efficient operational process for exporting golf carts via LCL shipping to Port Klang, including key steps such as documentation preparation, cost details, cut-off times, and customs clearance, ensuring a smooth international freight transport.

07/22/2025 Logistics
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DHL Expands Hong Kongchina Trucking Services

DHL Expands Hong Kongchina Trucking Services

DHL launches LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) trucking services from Hong Kong to mainland China, offering a land transportation solution with near-air freight speed but lower costs. It's ideal for small-batch shipments, addressing the pain points of high air freight costs and slow sea freight times. Delivery to Shanghai takes 4 days, while Chongqing and Beijing take 7 days, ensuring strong stability. This service provides an ideal choice for businesses seeking to reduce costs and improve efficiency by offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative for cross-border shipments.

09/28/2025 Logistics
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Major Logistics Firms Expand Crossdocking Hubs As Ecommerce Grows

Major Logistics Firms Expand Crossdocking Hubs As Ecommerce Grows

Logistics companies are increasingly investing in cross-docking facilities to meet the challenges of surging e-commerce. Outpost is transforming into a comprehensive logistics hub, while CEVA Logistics optimizes cross-border e-commerce logistics, and Pyle expands its East Coast service network. Less-than-truckload (LTL) cross-docking centers are proving to be effective tools for handling the e-commerce boom. In the future, cross-docking will evolve towards greater intelligence and collaboration, becoming a key factor in improving logistics efficiency. This trend signifies a strategic shift towards faster and more responsive supply chains.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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