US Freight Volumes Drop Sharply Amid Winter Storms

US Freight Volumes Drop Sharply Amid Winter Storms

U.S. freight volume experienced a significant drop in February due to winter storms, decreasing by 3.6% month-over-month and 2.7% year-over-year. This represents the lowest level in recent years. The decline in freight activity could potentially hinder the pace of economic recovery. The impact of weather disruptions on supply chains and transportation networks is evident in this data, highlighting the vulnerability of the freight sector to external factors.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
Trucking Demand Surges Postthanksgiving DAT Reports

Trucking Demand Surges Postthanksgiving DAT Reports

DAT data reveals a robust rebound in the U.S. truckload spot market post-Thanksgiving, with a surge in freight volumes and a slight increase in capacity, leading to a tighter supply-demand balance. Dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed markets all experienced varying degrees of growth. Experts suggest this signals a market recovery, but caution is advised due to seasonal factors, macroeconomic conditions, and industry competition. A cautiously optimistic outlook is warranted.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Postthanksgiving Trucking Demand Boosts Market Capacity DAT

Postthanksgiving Trucking Demand Boosts Market Capacity DAT

DAT data reveals a strong rebound in the truckload spot market post-Thanksgiving, with surging freight volumes and tightening capacity. Linehaul rates experienced slight fluctuations. Increased agricultural imports from Mexico and technological innovations are reshaping the freight market. While signs point towards recovery, the path ahead remains challenging, requiring close monitoring of market dynamics and flexible strategy adjustments. The freight market is showing resilience but requires careful navigation.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Spot Freight Rates Unexpectedly Climb in July

US Spot Freight Rates Unexpectedly Climb in July

A recent DAT report reveals an unusual surge in US spot freight rates in July, surpassing June's figures. This breaks a historical pattern observed since 1996, raising concerns about structural shifts in the freight market. Analysts suggest factors like retailer restocking, manufacturing recovery, and a tight labor market may have contributed to this anomaly. The market is closely monitoring August data to determine the sustainability of this trend.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More
Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Without Adding Staff

Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Without Adding Staff

LightBulbs.com doubled its peak season shipping throughput without adding staff by integrating shipping and dimensioning solutions. Key strategies included: a multi-carrier shipping platform to streamline transportation, automated parcel dimensioning to optimize shipping costs, real-time shipping visibility for overall control, and recovery of carrier overcharges. This combination of technologies and processes allowed them to significantly improve efficiency and reduce costs, ultimately leading to a more profitable and streamlined logistics operation.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
Trucking Conditions Briefly Improve but Challenges Persist

Trucking Conditions Briefly Improve but Challenges Persist

The FTR Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) showed a brief improvement in the US trucking industry in May, primarily driven by lower diesel prices and a slightly better freight rate environment. However, significant excess capacity remains a major challenge, making the road to recovery difficult. Market participants should exercise cautious optimism, closely monitor market dynamics, and aim for steady progress. The temporary boost doesn't negate the underlying issues plaguing the sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Freight Market Faces Challenges As Cass Index Declines

US Freight Market Faces Challenges As Cass Index Declines

The Cass Freight Index reveals declines in North American freight volume and expenditures year-over-year and month-over-month in November, indicating challenges to economic recovery. The report analyzes key factors impacting the freight market, including macroeconomics, inventory levels, retail activity, and energy prices, and provides an outlook on future opportunities and challenges. It recommends that freight companies optimize operations, diversify services, and strengthen customer relationships to navigate market fluctuations.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Logistics Sector Faces Growth Paradox Amid Economic Shifts

Logistics Sector Faces Growth Paradox Amid Economic Shifts

Prather highlights the disconnect between macroeconomics and freight, emphasizing inventory as a key factor. He suggests that a supply chain reset and economic recovery will drive a freight rebound. Businesses should optimize their inventory management practices to prepare for this new era. By focusing on efficient inventory strategies, companies can position themselves to capitalize on the anticipated upturn in freight activity driven by the evolving economic landscape and restructured supply chains.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
AI Transforms Supply Chain Planning Boosts Resilience

AI Transforms Supply Chain Planning Boosts Resilience

This report explores the application of AI in supply chain planning, with a focus on leveraging AI to address disruptions and enhance supply chain resilience. The conclusion emphasizes that AI is a key enabler for building a resilient supply chain. It highlights the potential of AI to proactively identify risks, optimize resource allocation, and enable faster recovery from unforeseen events, ultimately contributing to a more robust and adaptable supply chain network.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Prologis Reports Logistics Real Estate Demand Uptick As Trade Fears Ease

Prologis Reports Logistics Real Estate Demand Uptick As Trade Fears Ease

The Prologis IBI Index indicates a turning point in logistics real estate demand in Q3, with increases in net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipeline. This demand recovery is driven by business growth, structural investments in supply chains, and improved market conditions. Vacancy rates are expected to remain stable in the short term, with fewer projects under construction, potentially leading to a market tightening and accelerated rental growth.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More