Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index report reveals a diverging trend across various transportation modes in the US freight market, amidst weak demand and excess capacity. Truckload transportation shows cautious optimism, while the parcel sector witnesses intense pricing strategy competition. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) transportation faces challenges in maintaining pricing discipline. The report provides crucial decision-making insights for industry participants, highlighting the nuances in pricing and demand dynamics across different freight segments. It offers a valuable overview of the current market conditions and potential future trends.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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STB Proposes US Rail Freight Reforms to Cut Shipper Costs

STB Proposes US Rail Freight Reforms to Cut Shipper Costs

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two proposals aimed at helping rail freight users reduce costs and break the rail freight monopoly by reforming rate dispute resolution mechanisms and promoting inter-railroad competition. The proposals simplify the rate challenge process, lower the threshold for shippers to protect their rights, and consider adopting NITL's competitive switching proposal to secure more rights for shippers. These changes intend to make rate challenges more accessible and potentially increase competition among rail carriers, ultimately benefiting shippers.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Great Lakes Rail Bypass Faces Delays Amid Chicago Congestion

Great Lakes Rail Bypass Faces Delays Amid Chicago Congestion

A $2.8 billion bypass rail project, championed by GLBT, aims to alleviate Chicago's freight congestion, but faces funding and demand challenges. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) decision will have significant implications. Freight companies need to pay close attention to and participate in the process. The proposed bypass seeks to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the Chicago rail network, a critical hub for North American freight. Success hinges on securing sufficient investment and demonstrating sustained demand for rail freight services.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Maersk Explores Global Shippings Pros and Cons

Maersk Explores Global Shippings Pros and Cons

This article delves into the pivotal role of maritime transport in global trade, highlighting Maersk's commitment to building a more efficient and reliable shipping network as an industry leader. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of sea freight, including cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and transit times. The article also explores future trends in the maritime industry, such as digitalization, automation, and sustainability. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of maritime risk management and the key provisions within shipping contracts, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state and future direction of global maritime logistics.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Key Bill of Lading Locations Explained Receipt to Delivery

Key Bill of Lading Locations Explained Receipt to Delivery

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the concepts of place of receipt, port of loading, port of discharge, and place of delivery on a Bill of Lading. It clarifies the relationships and differences between them, particularly emphasizing the distinction between the port of discharge and the place of delivery in combined sea and land transport. The article also addresses the specific characteristics of place names in the United States. The aim is to help readers comprehensively understand Bill of Lading information and improve their ability to handle maritime transportation operations.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Maersk Hapaglloyd Form Gemini Alliance to Transform Shipping Industry

Maersk Hapaglloyd Form Gemini Alliance to Transform Shipping Industry

Global shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced the "Gemini Cooperation," aiming to reshape global maritime transport by optimizing route networks and improving on-time performance. Singapore will serve as a crucial hub with approximately 40 weekly vessel calls. The network employs a hub-and-spoke model to enhance operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Initially, vessels will bypass the Red Sea due to security concerns, with adjustments planned based on future conditions. This collaboration signifies a move towards greater efficiency and sustainability within the global shipping industry.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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Maritime Shipping Industry Adapts to Cargo Protection Challenges

Maritime Shipping Industry Adapts to Cargo Protection Challenges

This article provides a comprehensive solution for dealing with severe weather during maritime transport, covering pre-event cargo protection (packaging, container loading, route planning), in-event dynamic response (tracking cargo and weather, coordinating with shipping companies), and post-event handling (claims, plan adjustments). It aims to help cargo owners minimize losses, ensure safe and timely delivery of goods, and build a long-term risk-resistant supply chain system. The focus is on proactive measures and reactive strategies to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions on sea freight.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Trade Guide Essentials of Freight Forwarding

Global Trade Guide Essentials of Freight Forwarding

International freight forwarders are crucial players in global trade, offering one-stop logistics solutions encompassing sea, land, and air transportation. This article delves into the core business of international freight forwarding, details the selection strategies for these three modes of transport, and provides essential considerations when choosing a freight forwarder. The aim is to assist businesses in optimizing their logistics plans, reducing transportation costs, mitigating trade risks, and ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in international trade. Understanding these aspects is key to efficient and cost-effective global supply chain management.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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