US Truckload Spot Rates Hit Multiyear Highs Amid Hurricane Season Ecommerce Surge

US Truckload Spot Rates Hit Multiyear Highs Amid Hurricane Season Ecommerce Surge

A DAT report reveals that North American freight spot rates have surged to multi-year highs due to various factors. The confluence of challenges, including hurricane disasters, the ELD mandate, and the e-commerce peak season, is expected to maintain tight capacity through the end of the year. The close connection between e-commerce and the spot market is also increasingly evident. High demand driven by online retail is contributing significantly to the upward pressure on freight rates and the overall capacity crunch in the trucking industry.

Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline Amid Economic Slowdown

Intermodal Freight Volumes Decline Amid Economic Slowdown

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, U.S. intermodal volumes continued to decline in June, although the rate of decrease narrowed. The overall downward trend persists, primarily driven by economic downturn, changing consumer behavior, inventory adjustments, and shifts in transportation modes. The association's president believes that challenges and opportunities coexist. Inventory reshaping, cross-border trade, and the West Coast labor agreement are potential growth areas. Businesses should closely monitor the market, optimize inventory, re-evaluate transportation strategies, strengthen collaboration, and invest in technological innovation.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Container Shipping Slows Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Container Shipping Slows Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

North American intermodal volumes slowed in August, according to IANA data. International container performance outpaced domestic, influenced by tariffs. Year-to-date figures show cumulative growth, but with structural divergence. The report cites positive economic data, yet the shadow of tariffs persists. A flatter peak season is anticipated, with stable network operations. The future market presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring close attention to trade policies and economic dynamics. The impact of tariffs on container shipping and intermodal transportation remains a key factor influencing market trends.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Global Supply Chains Face Persistent Disruptions ASCMKPMG Report

Global Supply Chains Face Persistent Disruptions ASCMKPMG Report

A joint report by ASCM and KPMG reveals that while some areas of global supply chains have improved, overall stability remains affected by factors like labor and geopolitics. The report highlights the increasing North American imports driven by the “China+1” strategy, potentially creating new challenges for the labor market. Businesses need to monitor market dynamics, adapt strategies flexibly, strengthen risk management, and embrace digital transformation to navigate uncertainties. Proactive adaptation and resilience are key to maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving global landscape.

Electric Fireplaces Gain Popularity Abroad As Ecofriendly Heating Option

Electric Fireplaces Gain Popularity Abroad As Ecofriendly Heating Option

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the global electric fireplace market, highlighting its rapid growth as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireplaces. It details the potential of major markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, and analyzes popular product types like freestanding and wall-mounted models. This serves as a practical guide for cross-border sellers, offering insights into product selection and channel expansion. The analysis helps sellers identify profitable niches and strategies for success in this expanding market.

Global Firms Adapt Expansion Strategies Amid Market Shifts

Global Firms Adapt Expansion Strategies Amid Market Shifts

The global overseas environment is shifting towards "rules and costs," requiring companies to focus on structural trade opportunities, refined financial management, and energy transformation. This report analyzes trade shifts, interest rate paths, freight rates, and cost variables. It proposes differentiated strategies for regions like North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf, emphasizing compliance, supply chain optimization, and energy storage chain deployment. This aims to help businesses seize growth opportunities amidst global changes. Companies should focus on cost-effective solutions and adapt to evolving regulations to succeed.

US Intermodal Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery in June

US Intermodal Volumes Reflect Uneven Recovery in June

According to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), U.S. intermodal volumes decreased by 2.9% year-over-year in June, although the decline narrowed. Domestic containers showed growth against the trend, while international standard containers continued to decline. The IANA anticipates that international volumes may surpass domestic volumes in the future, but supply chain volatility needs to be monitored. The market faces multiple challenges, including macroeconomic factors and supply chain bottlenecks, requiring transformation and upgrades. This includes strengthening infrastructure construction and optimizing operational processes.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Pilot Freight Services Expands to Mexico City Vancouver

Pilot Freight Services Expands to Mexico City Vancouver

Pilot Freight Services announces the opening of new stations in Mexico City and Vancouver to enhance service to US locations, respond to customer needs, and capitalize on market potential. This expansion will strengthen its global network, seize opportunities from Mexico's manufacturing growth, and solidify its strategic position on the North American West Coast. The move accelerates global supply chain integration, providing customers with more comprehensive logistics services. This strategic growth allows Pilot to better serve existing clients and attract new business through an enhanced global footprint.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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CH Robinson Sells European Unit to Sennder Shifts Focus to Global Freight

CH Robinson Sells European Unit to Sennder Shifts Focus to Global Freight

C.H. Robinson's sale of its European road transport business to sennder Technologies aims to focus on core strengths like global forwarding and the North American market, enhancing profitability and operational efficiency. This move accelerates digital transformation, promotes industry consolidation, and foreshadows more diverse and sustainable logistics services. The divestiture allows C.H. Robinson to streamline operations and invest in technology-driven solutions, ultimately strengthening its position in key growth areas. This strategic adjustment reflects the evolving landscape of the logistics industry and the increasing importance of digitalization.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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