Q3 Parcel Rates Defy Trends LTL and Truckload Rates Steady

Q3 Parcel Rates Defy Trends LTL and Truckload Rates Steady

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals mixed trends in the US freight market for Q3. Unprecedented discounts in parcel shipping offset rising fuel surcharges. LTL pricing remains stable, but per-shipment weight is declining. Truckload faces continued headwinds from weak demand and excess capacity, with limited near-term improvement expected. This index provides valuable insights for businesses developing their freight strategies.

Shippers and Carriers Debate Responsibility for Container Weighing Fees

Shippers and Carriers Debate Responsibility for Container Weighing Fees

This article explores the current state and coping strategies for VGM (Verified Gross Mass) charges in the freight forwarding industry. It points out that VGM charges have become an industry-wide phenomenon, with freight forwarders in a weak position when dealing with shipping companies and port areas. Some freight forwarders avoid risks by shifting responsibility to customers. The article emphasizes the importance of freight forwarders balancing costs and ensuring profits while remaining compliant with regulations. It highlights the need for strategic approaches to navigate the challenges posed by VGM charges.

Chinafrance Sea Route Spurs Far East SE Asia Shipping Competition

Chinafrance Sea Route Spurs Far East SE Asia Shipping Competition

The China-France sea freight route is a crucial artery for trade between the two countries, coexisting with Far East and Southeast Asia routes. Its advantages lie in stability, efficiency, and cargo diversity. Sea freight costs are influenced by cargo type, transportation distance, and freight rate fluctuations. The Far East route takes 25-30 days, while the Southeast Asia route takes 20-25 days. Freight rates are approximately $1000-2000 per TEU, subject to market volatility. This route is vital for facilitating international commerce and supply chain management.

US Trucking Market Faces Winter Challenges As Freight Index Fluctuates

US Trucking Market Faces Winter Challenges As Freight Index Fluctuates

The Cass Freight Index indicates sluggish shipment volume growth and decelerating expenditure growth in November, suggesting challenges for the freight market. Year-over-year shipment volume declined, with a sharp decrease in West Coast imports, potentially influenced by shifts in global trade patterns. Expenditure growth was primarily driven by changes in the transportation mode mix, indicating persistent cost pressures. Investors can use the index to assess freight companies, but a comprehensive analysis incorporating other data is crucial. The index points towards a softening freight market, requiring careful monitoring of evolving economic conditions.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

Bank of America Index Shows High Costs Low Volumes in US Logistics

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a decrease in freight volumes during the fourth quarter, while freight spending reached a record high. Driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and ongoing supply chain challenges are key contributing factors. Regional performance varied, with the Western region experiencing the largest increase in spending. To navigate these challenges, businesses need to optimize their supply chains, strengthen collaboration, diversify transportation options, and embrace digital transformation. These strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of rising costs and ensuring efficient freight operations in the current economic climate.

Shipping Costs From China to Germany Rise Via Suez Canal

Shipping Costs From China to Germany Rise Via Suez Canal

This article provides a detailed analysis of sea freight costs from China to Germany, particularly those incurred via the Suez Canal. It covers Suez Canal transit fees, sea freight rate calculation methods (including factors such as port of origin, vessel type, and cargo type), freight estimation formulas and examples. Common questions are also addressed, helping you to comprehensively understand sea freight costs. The analysis focuses on the various components influencing the final price, providing a clear understanding of the financial aspects of shipping goods from China to Germany via this crucial waterway.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Eastwest Trade Container Rates Surge Amid Global Demand

Eastwest Trade Container Rates Surge Amid Global Demand

This paper analyzes the recent surge in container freight rates on East-West routes, exploring the driving factors from both demand-side (economic recovery, trade growth) and supply-side (capacity control, port congestion). It elucidates the impact of rising freight rates on import/export companies, consumers, shipping companies, and the global supply chain. Furthermore, based on historical data and industry analysis, the paper forecasts future freight rate trends, emphasizing the need for businesses to monitor market dynamics and prepare for freight rate volatility. Businesses should pay close attention to market changes.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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Chinaaustralia Trade Shenzhen Shipping Container Costs Explained

Chinaaustralia Trade Shenzhen Shipping Container Costs Explained

This article provides a comprehensive guide to inquiring about sea freight container prices from Shenzhen to Australia. It covers three methods: online inquiry, phone/email inquiry, and on-site visits. The guide also details key factors influencing sea freight rates, such as container type, cargo weight and volume, shipping routes, and transit time. Furthermore, it emphasizes important considerations when requesting quotes, helping you choose the right freight forwarder, optimize your logistics plan, and reduce transportation costs. This guide aims to provide practical advice for navigating the complexities of sea freight pricing.

Guide to Avoiding Costly Errors in International Shipping Documents

Guide to Avoiding Costly Errors in International Shipping Documents

This article provides a detailed interpretation of key filling points for ocean bills of lading, including shipper, consignee, vessel name, loading and unloading ports, marks and numbers, goods description, gross weight and volume, freight payment, place and date of issue, etc. It offers practical guidance with real-world examples to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure the smooth arrival of your goods. This guide aims to assist in accurately completing the bill of lading, a crucial document in international trade.

New Exporters Guide to Mastering LCL Shipping Quotes

New Exporters Guide to Mastering LCL Shipping Quotes

This article provides a detailed analysis of the components of an LCL quotation, including ocean freight, warehouse handling fees, customs declaration fees, bill of lading fees, domestic transportation fees, and destination port charges. It also addresses potential issues that foreign trade novices may encounter during the quotation process and offers suggestions to help them avoid risks and improve the professionalism and competitiveness of their quotations. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of LCL pricing for those new to international trade.