New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Transportation Market Trends

New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Transportation Market Trends

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is a quarterly report designed to provide institutional investors with predictive pricing tools covering key freight sectors like Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), and Parcel. Leveraging AFS Logistics' vast data and Cowen's expert analysis, the index offers forward-looking, granular, and technology-driven market insights to empower investment decisions. It aims to provide a comprehensive view of the freight market, enabling informed strategies and risk management for investors navigating the complexities of the transportation industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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LTL Shipping Costsaving Option for Small Businesses

LTL Shipping Costsaving Option for Small Businesses

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping offers a cost-effective solution for shipments that don't fill an entire truck. Ideal for loads under 12 pallets, LTL consolidates goods from multiple customers, sharing transportation costs. This reduces expenses and enhances logistical flexibility, making it particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. LTL allows companies to ship smaller quantities without the need to pay for a full truckload, optimizing their supply chain and controlling freight costs. It also provides access to a wider network of carriers and destinations.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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AFS Cowen Launch Predictive Freight Index for Market Trends

AFS Cowen Launch Predictive Freight Index for Market Trends

Cowen, in partnership with AFS, has launched a forward-looking freight index designed to provide institutional clients with accurate pricing tools across LTL, TL, and parcel shipping. The index leverages AI and ML technologies to forecast future rates and incorporates macroeconomic factors. The inaugural report reveals key trends such as rising truckload rates and declining less-than-truckload (LTL) weights. This index offers valuable decision-making insights for the logistics industry by providing a data-driven perspective on anticipated freight market conditions and potential cost fluctuations.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Market Faces Tariff Uncertainty Demand Volatility

Freight Market Faces Tariff Uncertainty Demand Volatility

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report highlights the impact of tariffs, consumer confidence, and other factors on the freight market. Full Truckload (FTL) is affected by tariffs and regionalization trends. Parcel shipping sees a shift in pricing strategies, while Less-than-Truckload (LTL) pricing demonstrates resilience. Companies need to pay attention to market changes, optimize their supply chains, and embrace green transportation to address challenges and seize opportunities. Focusing on adaptability and sustainable practices will be key to navigating the evolving freight landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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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Q1 Trucking Gains Amid Parcel Pricing Shifts LTL Weakness

Q1 Trucking Gains Amid Parcel Pricing Shifts LTL Weakness

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report indicates flat but promising truckload demand, successful yet competitive parcel pricing strategies, and firm but fracturing LTL rates. The report offers valuable market trend insights for freight market participants. While truckload shows signs of improvement, parcel faces intense competition. LTL, though currently stable, shows potential weaknesses. The index provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the freight market, assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions based on observed trends and pricing dynamics across different modes of transport.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Index Predicts Weaker Peak Season As Markets Diverge

Freight Index Predicts Weaker Peak Season As Markets Diverge

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report predicts a potentially weak peak season this year. Overcapacity in truckload is putting pressure on pricing, while the less-than-truckload (LTL) market shows steady progress. The parcel market is driven by e-commerce promotions but faces intense competition. Businesses should take a rational view of market changes and optimize their supply chain strategies. The report suggests that companies need to be prepared for a less robust peak season than in previous years and adjust their expectations accordingly.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Truck Driver Shortage Drives Up Freight Labor Costs

Truck Driver Shortage Drives Up Freight Labor Costs

According to the American Trucking Associations, the driver turnover rate at large truckload carriers surged to 92% in the third quarter, while smaller carriers reached 74%. Less-than-truckload (LTL) remained relatively stable at 14%. This high turnover reflects challenges in the freight market, including driver shortages and increased competition. Companies need to actively address these issues to ensure supply chain stability and mitigate the impact of driver attrition on their operations. Addressing driver retention is crucial for maintaining service levels and profitability in the current environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Rebounds As August Shipments Rise

Trucking Industry Rebounds As August Shipments Rise

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) reported that truckload volume continued its growth in August, reaching its highest level since February. Experts believe this signals a rebound in the freight market, but attention should still be paid to geopolitical risks such as high inflation and rising interest rates. E-commerce growth, supply chain optimization, and technological innovation will bring new development opportunities. The continued growth in truckload volume may be a leading indicator of broader economic recovery, though sustained positive trends are necessary to confirm this.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Pricing Trends Shift Amid Trade War Uncertainty

US Freight Pricing Trends Shift Amid Trade War Uncertainty

The freight market is experiencing increased uncertainty due to tariffs and consumer confidence fluctuations. Full truckload, parcel, and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation are each undergoing changes, leading to frequent adjustments in pricing strategies. The impact of tariffs on trade flows is a significant factor influencing freight volumes and rates. Analyzing these trends is crucial for shippers and carriers to navigate the evolving market conditions and optimize their operations. Monitoring freight indices and understanding tariff implications are key to making informed decisions in this dynamic environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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