Freight Index Forecasts Future Shipping Costs for Logistics

Freight Index Forecasts Future Shipping Costs for Logistics

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index, a collaboration between Cowen Inc. and AFS Logistics LLC, provides businesses with predictive pricing tools across LTL, Truckload, and Parcel sectors. Leveraging AFS's extensive freight data and advanced machine learning algorithms, the index forecasts future freight rate trends. This enables companies to optimize logistics strategies and reduce operational costs by providing insights into anticipated price fluctuations. The index aims to be a valuable resource for businesses seeking to improve their freight management and budgeting processes.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Prologis Report Highlights Shift in Logistics Real Estate Demand

Prologis Report Highlights Shift in Logistics Real Estate Demand

The GLP IBI Index indicates a turning point in logistics real estate demand, with a Q3 activity index of 53. Net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipeline all increased. The market recovery is led by large corporations and e-commerce companies, but the overall recovery is non-linear. This index provides important reference for corporate decision-making and government policy formulation.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
New Predictive Freight Index Aims to Forecast Shipping Rates

New Predictive Freight Index Aims to Forecast Shipping Rates

Cowen and AFS have partnered to launch a freight index, forecasting LTL, truckload, and parcel rates. The inaugural index reveals an increase in truckload rates and a decrease in LTL weight. This index provides valuable insights into the current state of the freight market and offers predictive analysis for future trends. It aims to assist shippers and carriers in making informed decisions regarding pricing and capacity planning. The index will be updated regularly to reflect the dynamic nature of the logistics industry.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Freight Market Splits As Parcel LTL and Truckload Prices Diverge

Freight Market Splits As Parcel LTL and Truckload Prices Diverge

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals a diverging US freight market. Parcel demand is weak with unprecedented discounts and declining fuel surcharges. LTL shipments show declining weight per shipment, but carrier pricing remains firm. Truckload faces headwinds from soft demand and excess capacity, hindering near-term improvement. While future Fed rate cuts are beneficial for long-term truckload and LTL prospects, their immediate impact is limited. The report highlights the contrasting dynamics within different segments of the US freight sector, reflecting broader economic conditions and supply chain adjustments.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Freight Rate Trends

New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Freight Rate Trends

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is released, providing institutional clients with pricing forecasts for LTL, TL, and parcel shipments to aid market decision-making. This index offers valuable insights into current and future freight rates, enabling businesses to optimize their logistics strategies and improve profitability. By leveraging the data and analysis provided, companies can make informed choices regarding carrier selection, contract negotiations, and overall transportation planning. The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is a crucial tool for navigating the complexities of the freight market.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Logistics Index Hits June High Despite Supply Chain Strains

Logistics Index Hits June High Despite Supply Chain Strains

The logistics management index in June reached 60.7, showing a significant increase from May and indicating signs of recovery in the logistics sector. Inventory levels and costs continue to rise, while warehousing capacity has entered a contraction phase for the first time, reflecting potential uncertainties in future supply and demand. Changes in trade policy have also had a significant impact on the economy and the outlook for the logistics industry.

07/07/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Logistics Sector Rebounds As June Index Shows Strong Growth

Logistics Sector Rebounds As June Index Shows Strong Growth

The Logistics Manager's Index (LMI) showed strong performance in June, reaching 60.7, indicating a recovery trend in the industry. Inventory levels have risen due to increased tariffs, while transportation and warehousing capacities have declined. Despite optimistic short-term growth, long-term market demand remains uncertain, and future trade policies will significantly impact the entire sector.

07/07/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Baltic Dry Index Surge Signals Rising Global Freight Costs

Baltic Dry Index Surge Signals Rising Global Freight Costs

The surge in the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is a result of multiple factors including global economic recovery, tight shipping capacity, and port congestion. It reflects new trends in global trade and indicates growing demand for commodities. Geopolitical risks and changes in trade policies also significantly impact freight rates. The BDI serves as a barometer of the global economy and warrants close attention. Its fluctuations provide insights into the health of international commerce and the interplay of supply and demand in the dry bulk shipping sector.

11/03/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
TD Cowen Freight Index Points to Q1 Demand Slowdown

TD Cowen Freight Index Points to Q1 Demand Slowdown

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report indicates structural recovery signs in the spot market, pricing strategies, and LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) market, despite weak freight demand. Full Truckload faces overcapacity, and parcel shipping experiences intense competition. LTL pricing discipline may erode. Businesses need to monitor market dynamics and adjust strategies accordingly. This report highlights key trends in the freight market, including challenges in Full Truckload and parcel, while pointing to potential improvements in specific areas like LTL. Understanding these shifts is crucial for effective freight management.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More