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
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STB Probes BNSF Acquisition Amid Freight Rate Concerns

STB Probes BNSF Acquisition Amid Freight Rate Concerns

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) held a hearing regarding Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of BNSF Railway, focusing on whether the acquisition premium should be included in BNSF's cost base, thus impacting freight rates. Shippers expressed concerns about potential rate increases, while BNSF emphasized market-based pricing. The STB's decision will influence the competitive landscape of the rail freight market and companies' operating costs. The core issue is whether the acquisition price will unfairly inflate freight rates for shippers using BNSF's services.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Freight Industry Adopts 3D Market Strategy for Growth

Freight Industry Adopts 3D Market Strategy for Growth

The freight industry is entering a three-dimensional market era, with spot, forward, and futures markets interconnected, increasing information transparency, and intensifying rate fluctuations. Companies need to understand market dynamics and utilize forward contracts and futures instruments to hedge risks, optimize price discovery, and develop three-dimensional execution strategies. This approach is crucial for gaining a competitive edge in the new market landscape. Effective risk management and strategic planning are essential for navigating the complexities and capitalizing on opportunities within this evolving environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Volume Falls Rates Rise in September

US Truckload Volume Falls Rates Rise in September

The US truckload freight market in September presented a mixed picture of declining volumes and slightly increasing rates. DAT data indicated a decrease in dry van and refrigerated truckload volumes, while flatbed volumes saw a slight increase. Spot rates generally rose, while contract rates trended downward. Analysts suggest that the price increases were not demand-driven, but rather due to capacity imbalances. They remain cautious about the upcoming peak season. Market participants need to closely monitor the dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Firms Shift Transportation Procurement to Strategic Focus

Firms Shift Transportation Procurement to Strategic Focus

Traditional transportation procurement often focuses on price, neglecting long-term ROI and carrier relationship building. This paper analyzes four pitfalls of traditional procurement processes and proposes a shift from transaction-driven to strategic sourcing. It emphasizes focusing on capabilities, relationships, and long-term ROI to gain a competitive edge in the market. By prioritizing these elements, companies can optimize their transportation spend and foster stronger, more sustainable partnerships with carriers, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and resilience in their supply chains.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Wins USPS Air Cargo Contract From Fedex After 20 Years

UPS Wins USPS Air Cargo Contract From Fedex After 20 Years

UPS's successful bid for the USPS air cargo contract marks a significant shift in the express delivery landscape. This move will intensify market competition, potentially leading to price reductions and prompting FedEx to reassess its strategies. UPS is poised to expand its market share, and both parties are expected to benefit mutually. However, FedEx faces potential revenue and market share losses. The contract signifies a major win for UPS and a challenge for FedEx, reshaping the dynamics of the industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Yellows Bankruptcy Shifts LTL Industry Dynamics

Yellows Bankruptcy Shifts LTL Industry Dynamics

The bankruptcy and delisting of Yellow has impacted the Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) market, but also presents opportunities. This article analyzes its effects, including capacity release, price fluctuations, and service adjustments. It emphasizes that companies need to expand steadily, adapt flexibly, strengthen risk management, optimize transportation structures, build long-term partnerships with carriers, and improve operational efficiency to cope with market changes and achieve sustainable development. In essence, strategic agility and robust partnerships are key to navigating the post-Yellow LTL landscape.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Greek Shoppers Turn to Noneu Ecommerce for Cheaper Deals

Greek Shoppers Turn to Noneu Ecommerce for Cheaper Deals

A survey reveals that 80% of Greek consumers prefer shopping on e-commerce platforms outside the EU, primarily driven by lower prices. Platforms like Temu and Shein are popular, with users exhibiting higher daily internet usage. Nearly half of Greek consumers' online spending goes to non-EU platforms, posing a significant challenge to EU e-commerce businesses. The low-price strategy employed by these international platforms attracts Greek consumers seeking affordable options, impacting the competitiveness of domestic and EU-based online retailers.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Truckload Industry Faces Challenges Amid January Demand Shifts

Truckload Industry Faces Challenges Amid January Demand Shifts

Recent data indicates a decline in spot market truckload rates from January 26th to February 1st, despite increased demand. Excess dry van capacity contributed to price decreases. Refrigerated truck demand softened, putting downward pressure on rates. Flatbed demand remained strong, leading to relatively stable pricing. Industry experts advise closely monitoring market dynamics, optimizing operational efficiency, providing high-quality service, and flexibly adjusting strategies to capitalize on market opportunities. The overall truckload market presents a mixed picture with varying performance across different equipment types.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Streamline Property Management Adopts Excel System to Reduce Errors

Streamline Property Management Adopts Excel System to Reduce Errors

This article introduces a comprehensive Excel-based property expense management system template. It covers core functions such as employee information registration, fee unit price setting, owner information recording, expense inquiry, summary, and detailed reports. The template is easy to use, requires no programming knowledge, and can significantly improve property expense management efficiency and reduce error rates. It is suitable for various property service scenarios. This template provides a streamlined solution for managing property expenses effectively and efficiently using the familiar Excel environment.

01/23/2026 Warehousing
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