TD Cowen Analyzes Freight Market Trends Tariffs and LTLTL Shifts

TD Cowen Analyzes Freight Market Trends Tariffs and LTLTL Shifts

At the SMC3 JumpStart 2025 conference, TD Cowen Managing Director Jason Seidl shared his unique insights on the freight economy, tariff impacts, AI applications, nearshoring, M&A activity, and LTL/TL market trends. His presentation provided valuable market analysis and strategic advice for businesses navigating the complexities of the current freight landscape. He highlighted key factors shaping the industry and offered actionable recommendations for companies looking to optimize their logistics operations and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Seidl's expertise offered attendees a comprehensive understanding of the forces at play in the freight market.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fedex Freight to Spin Off Under Smith and Martins Leadership

Fedex Freight to Spin Off Under Smith and Martins Leadership

FedEx plans to spin off its less-than-truckload (LTL) freight division into an independent publicly traded company by June 2026. John A. Smith has been appointed President and CEO, and R. Brad Martin will serve as Chairman of the Board. This move aims to unlock shareholder value, improve operational efficiency, and allow both companies to maintain commercial operations and technology collaboration. Post-separation, FedEx Freight will become a leading pure-play LTL carrier with the most extensive network.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fedex Freight Names Smith and Martin to Lead LTL Spinoff

Fedex Freight Names Smith and Martin to Lead LTL Spinoff

FedEx Freight is slated to be spun off in June 2026, with Smith appointed as CEO and Martin as Chairman. The spin-off aims to improve efficiency and unlock value for shareholders. However, the newly independent company will likely face challenges related to operational costs and the transition process. The separation is intended to allow FedEx Freight to operate more nimbly and focus on its core less-than-truckload business, but careful management will be crucial to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Fedex Freight Spins Off As Smith and Martin Take Helm

Fedex Freight Spins Off As Smith and Martin Take Helm

FedEx plans to spin off its less-than-truckload (LTL) freight subsidiary, FedEx Freight, in 2026, appointing John A. Smith as President and CEO and R. Brad Martin as Chairman of the Board. This move aims to unlock shareholder value and enhance the operational efficiency and strategic focus of both companies. Analysts believe that an independent FedEx Freight will face cost structure adjustments, but also has the potential for growth due to its market position and priority services.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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ABF and Saia Adapt As LTL Sector Faces Freight Downturn

ABF and Saia Adapt As LTL Sector Faces Freight Downturn

Amidst a sluggish freight market, Yellow Corp. doubled its losses, while ABF Freight and Saia maintained stability through different strategies. This article delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the LTL transportation industry, offering strategic recommendations for businesses. It emphasizes the importance of operational optimization, flexible pricing, and business diversification as key strategies for navigating the current market conditions and achieving sustainable growth. Companies need to adapt and innovate to thrive in this evolving landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Q1 2025 Freight Index Shows Weak Demand Amid Recovery Signs

Q1 2025 Freight Index Shows Weak Demand Amid Recovery Signs

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report reveals varying recovery signs across transportation modes despite persistent soft demand and overcapacity. Truckload spot market shows positive signals, parcel pricing strategies are effective, and LTL pricing discipline shows cracks. The report offers decision-making insights for shippers and carriers, highlighting the nuances of the current freight market. It analyzes key trends and provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing freight rates and capacity across different segments, offering valuable context for navigating the evolving landscape.

01/17/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates mixed performance for U.S. rail freight for the week ending December 6th. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and grain. However, container traffic declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in global trade. Cumulative data for the first 49 weeks of 2025 shows overall freight volume growth. However, caution is advised regarding the potential impact of future economic uncertainties on rail freight performance. The container decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Slump

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Slump

Recent US rail freight data shows carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by strong demand for coal and grain. However, container traffic declined, potentially signaling a slowdown in consumer demand. While full-year data indicates overall growth, recent structural shifts warrant caution. The rail freight industry faces both opportunities and challenges, with technological innovation being crucial for future success. The decrease in container traffic may be an early indicator of a broader economic downturn, requiring careful monitoring of future trends and adjustments to strategies.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Crisis Speed Not Capacity Key to Relief

US Rail Freight Crisis Speed Not Capacity Key to Relief

US rail freight faces bottlenecks, seemingly due to insufficient vehicles, but fundamentally caused by lagging network speed. This article analyzes rail transportation efficiency, emphasizing the importance of improving network speed and optimizing operational processes. It proposes strategies including infrastructure upgrades, technological innovation applications, and process re-engineering, aiming to enhance the efficiency and resilience of rail transportation to meet increasing demand. Addressing network speed limitations is crucial for unlocking the full potential of rail freight and ensuring its competitiveness in the modern transportation landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

North American Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

Recent data reveals a mixed picture for the US rail freight market. Carload traffic shows a slight increase, but performance varies across commodity groups. Intermodal volume, however, has declined. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth, but the industry faces challenges including economic downturn and increased competition. Rail companies need to actively transform and upgrade their operations to navigate these headwinds and maintain competitiveness.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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