Freight Carriers Adopt Survival Tactics Amid Profit Pressures

Freight Carriers Adopt Survival Tactics Amid Profit Pressures

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report provides an in-depth analysis of the current challenges facing the freight market, including overcapacity, declining rates, and policy changes. The report analyzes truckload, parcel, and LTL (Less-than-Truckload) segments separately, offering strategic guidance for freight companies to survive in adverse conditions. Data-driven decision-making will be crucial for the future success of freight businesses. This report highlights the importance of adapting to market dynamics and leveraging data for informed strategies in a competitive landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Shipping Industry Explains Key Surcharges EBS CIC ECRS

Shipping Industry Explains Key Surcharges EBS CIC ECRS

EBS, CIC, and ECRS are common surcharges in international trade, addressing fuel fluctuations, container imbalance, and emergency costs, respectively. The payer depends on the trade terms and contractual agreements, with Chinese exports typically prepaid by the shipper. Clearly defining the party responsible for these fees in the contract can effectively prevent trade disputes. Understanding these charges is crucial for accurate cost calculation and avoiding unexpected expenses in international trade transactions.

02/06/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Freight Market Splits As Parcel LTL and Truckload Prices Diverge

Freight Market Splits As Parcel LTL and Truckload Prices Diverge

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals a diverging US freight market. Parcel demand is weak with unprecedented discounts and declining fuel surcharges. LTL shipments show declining weight per shipment, but carrier pricing remains firm. Truckload faces headwinds from soft demand and excess capacity, hindering near-term improvement. While future Fed rate cuts are beneficial for long-term truckload and LTL prospects, their immediate impact is limited. The report highlights the contrasting dynamics within different segments of the US freight sector, reflecting broader economic conditions and supply chain adjustments.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Trucking Industry Struggles Persist Amid Mild Recovery FTR Data

Trucking Industry Struggles Persist Amid Mild Recovery FTR Data

FTR's Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) indicates that the trucking industry continues to face challenges such as excess capacity and weak freight volume growth, despite a slight improvement in September. The TCI is expected to remain negative until the end of next year. Stable fuel prices and a slight rebound in demand are positive factors, but the recovery path is long. Companies need to control costs, improve efficiency, diversify services, and pay attention to industry trends to cope with difficulties and embrace future opportunities. The industry requires careful navigation to weather the current storm.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Trucking Industry Proves Resilient Amid Economic Shifts

US Trucking Industry Proves Resilient Amid Economic Shifts

The Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) in the United States serves as a crucial indicator for assessing the health of the trucking industry. The recent sustained increase in the TCI signals robust growth within the sector. This analysis delves into the TCI data, underlying drivers, future outlook, and potential risks. It also proposes strategies for navigating the evolving landscape. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the American trucking industry's development and offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders. This analysis serves as a reference for related practitioners.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Truck Tonnage Declines in May Signaling Freight Slowdown

US Truck Tonnage Declines in May Signaling Freight Slowdown

The American Trucking Associations reported a slight decrease of 0.7% in the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index for May, but an increase of 3.7% year-over-year. Despite short-term fluctuations, the overall tonnage remains higher than the same period last year. Gasoline demand and retail inventory rebuilding are supporting factors, but driver shortages remain a challenge. Close attention should be paid to macroeconomic conditions, industry data, and policy changes to strengthen risk management and explore new business models. This highlights the ongoing complexities and potential opportunities within the trucking sector.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
Freight Forwarders Face Rising Port Entry Challenges

Freight Forwarders Face Rising Port Entry Challenges

This article delves into common challenges encountered during freight forwarding inbound operations, including bill of lading information verification, shipping company information confirmation, customs inspection, shipper-owned container issues, and the sequence of customs declaration and inspection. It provides corresponding solutions and strategies to help freight forwarders improve work efficiency and reduce operating costs. The focus is on practical problem-solving and offers actionable advice for navigating complex situations in the import process.

08/23/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
The Relationship Between Freight Rate and Shipping Cost: Key Connections and Market Impacts

The Relationship Between Freight Rate and Shipping Cost: Key Connections and Market Impacts

This article explores the definitions of freight rates and shipping costs and their interrelationship. It indicates that the freight rate represents the price of transportation labor, which directly influences the supply and demand dynamics of the shipping market. In contrast, the shipping cost is the compensation paid by the shipper to the carrier for completing the transportation of goods. The calculation of shipping costs relies on the product of freight rates and transportation volume.

07/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Digital Trucking Eases Capacity Strain Improves Logistics Efficiency

Digital Trucking Eases Capacity Strain Improves Logistics Efficiency

Facing logistics challenges like capacity crunch and rising costs, digital trucking emerges as a smart choice for shippers. Through digital platforms, shippers can optimize transportation processes, reduce expenses, and improve efficiency. Becoming a more attractive 'shipper of choice' enables them to stand out in a competitive market. Digitalization allows for better capacity utilization, real-time tracking, and data-driven decision-making, ultimately leading to a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Supply Chain Costs Rise Stability Expected Soon

Supply Chain Costs Rise Stability Expected Soon

The EDGE conference focuses on the economy, nearshoring, shipper-3PL collaboration, and AI. Economic slowdowns are prompting a rise in nearshoring strategies. Collaborative partnerships are being optimized for efficiency. Artificial intelligence is empowering logistics operations, enhancing visibility and streamlining processes. These trends collectively contribute to greater supply chain stability and resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape. The conference aims to provide insights and strategies for navigating these challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More