US Air Freight Costs Surge Amid Rising Demand Capacity Crunch

US Air Freight Costs Surge Amid Rising Demand Capacity Crunch

Multiple factors including the pandemic, geopolitics, and economics are causing volatile and high air freight rates for US imports. Imbalances in supply and demand, rising operating costs, tight capacity, and exchange rate fluctuations are all contributing to increased costs. High prices are expected to persist in the near future. Importers should also pay close attention to the US import customs clearance process to ensure compliance and efficiency.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Market Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Prolonged Slump

US Freight Market Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Prolonged Slump

Bank of America's Q2 Freight Payment Index indicates ongoing declines in US freight volumes and spending, albeit with slightly narrower decreases. Experts suggest the market may have bottomed out but still faces challenges from macroeconomic factors and shifting consumption patterns. Businesses should proactively respond by optimizing operations and capitalizing on opportunities like supply chain restructuring and e-commerce growth while awaiting market recovery. The report highlights the need for resilience and adaptation in a challenging economic landscape for the freight industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Slows in Q3 Q4 Strategies Outlined TD Cowen

Freight Market Slows in Q3 Q4 Strategies Outlined TD Cowen

TD Cowen reports unprecedented parcel discounts, while less-than-truckload (LTL) pricing remains firm. Full truckload (FTL) is less affected by interest rate cuts. Businesses need to be flexible and adapt to the market, optimizing costs to navigate the current environment. This requires a strategic approach to pricing and operations, leveraging market analysis to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. Monitoring freight indices is crucial for informed decision-making and maintaining a competitive edge.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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CH Robinson Uses AI to Streamline Freight Operations Reduce Costs

CH Robinson Uses AI to Streamline Freight Operations Reduce Costs

C.H. Robinson is leveraging Generative AI to automate key aspects of the freight lifecycle, including quoting, order confirmation, appointment scheduling, and shipment tracking. This technology significantly improves efficiency and reduces costs, allowing customers and CHR teams to focus on more valuable tasks. AI applications span email quoting, freight bidding, appointment booking, and in-transit visibility, providing customers with a more efficient and economical logistics experience. The implementation streamlines operations and enhances overall supply chain performance.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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TD Cowen Analyst Assesses Freight Market Amid Tariffs Economic Shifts

TD Cowen Analyst Assesses Freight Market Amid Tariffs Economic Shifts

TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl analyzes the current state of the freight economy, the impact of tariffs, LTL and truckload market trends, and the application of AI in logistics. The article delves into economic recovery signals, tariff response strategies, the strategic significance of AI, the long-term value of nearshoring, and the opportunities and challenges in the M&A market. It provides valuable insights for businesses to understand freight market trends, offering guidance on navigating the evolving landscape and making informed decisions in a dynamic environment.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The latest US rail freight data reveals a year-over-year increase in carload traffic, driven by strong demand for nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volumes declined year-over-year, reflecting easing supply chain bottlenecks and cooling consumer demand. Overall North American rail freight volumes show a similar diverging trend. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency and expand their business areas to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 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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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volume

The US rail freight market presents a mixed picture at the start of the year. Carload traffic is showing a slight increase, potentially signaling a recovery in traditional industries. However, container traffic has declined significantly, possibly reflecting weak consumer demand. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics, optimize supply chains, strengthen risk management, and seize structural investment opportunities. Understanding these diverging trends is crucial for developing effective logistics strategies and navigating the evolving landscape of the rail freight sector.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Yellow Freight Shuts Down After 100 Years Shaking Trucking Industry

Yellow Freight Shuts Down After 100 Years Shaking Trucking Industry

The bankruptcy of Yellow Corporation, a century-old American freight giant, highlights internal issues like mismanagement, strategic errors, and labor disputes, alongside external challenges such as intense industry competition, market shifts, and the pandemic's impact. Its collapse will likely accelerate the industry reshuffle and could lead to increased LTL shipping prices. Yellow's case serves as a warning against reckless expansion, emphasizing the importance of organic growth, meticulous management, and avoiding the 'too big to fail' trap. Companies should prioritize sustainable practices and adapt to evolving market dynamics to ensure long-term viability.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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