TD Cowen Index Shows Trends in Truckload Parcel and LTL Shipping

TD Cowen Index Shows Trends in Truckload Parcel and LTL Shipping

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 analysis reveals new trends in the freight market. The truckload market shows cautious optimism with spot rates recovering. The parcel market benefits from effective pricing strategies, although discounts remain. LTL rates are stable, but pricing discipline may weaken. The index provides valuable market insights for businesses, helping them develop more informed freight strategies. It highlights key performance indicators and emerging challenges across different freight segments, offering a comprehensive overview of the current freight landscape and potential future developments.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Guide Simplifies Verified Gross Mass VGM Shipping Rules

New Guide Simplifies Verified Gross Mass VGM Shipping Rules

This article explains how to independently submit Verified Gross Mass (VGM) through the "Order Folder," detailing the submission steps and parties authorized to submit VGM. It also provides links to VGM-related information. The aim is to help shippers complete VGM declarations more conveniently, ensuring the safe and compliant transportation of goods. By streamlining the process, shippers can easily adhere to regulations and avoid potential delays or penalties associated with non-compliance. This guide offers a practical approach to VGM submission for those involved in container shipping.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Consolidated Shipping The New Trend and Advantages of International Air Freight

Consolidated Shipping The New Trend and Advantages of International Air Freight

Consolidated shipping is a method of combining multiple shipments through an air freight forwarding company. This approach not only reduces shipping costs but also expands the range of air services, benefiting shippers. Additionally, shippers can settle accounts in advance through the agent, facilitating international trade. The specific process involves the creation of master and house bills of lading, as well as the receipt and distribution of goods. However, it is important to note that consolidated shipping is not suitable for valuable items or special cargo.

07/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Outside Bidders

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Outside Bidders

USPS plans to open its 'last mile' delivery network, allowing shippers to bid for DDU access. This aims to boost revenue, improve financial sustainability, and help retailers achieve faster deliveries. Experts see transformative potential but also challenges in execution, pricing, and service. Its success will significantly impact the US logistics industry. The initiative could revolutionize last-mile delivery by leveraging USPS's extensive network, but careful planning and execution are crucial to overcome potential hurdles and ensure a seamless transition for both shippers and USPS.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

Stbs New Rules Aim to Ease Rail Freight Rate Disputes

The US Surface Transportation Board (STB) has introduced two new rules to streamline railway freight rate dispute resolution, including a voluntary arbitration program and Final Offer Rate Review (FORR). However, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) strongly opposes these rules, citing “fatal flaws” in FORR and arguing the arbitration rules are “backwards.” Whether these new regulations will bring relief to shippers remains challenging, and shippers need to carefully assess the implications. The future impact of these regulations is uncertain amidst ongoing debate and potential legal challenges.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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Logistics Industry Honors Excellence with Quest for Quality Awards

Logistics Industry Honors Excellence with Quest for Quality Awards

The Quest for Quality Awards serve as a benchmark in the logistics industry for measuring customer satisfaction and outstanding service performance. Through a rigorous selection process and comprehensive evaluation criteria, it provides reliable guidance for shippers in choosing high-quality logistics partners and motivates logistics providers to continuously improve service quality. In the future, the awards will focus more on digital transformation and customer experience, leading the development of the logistics industry. The award helps shippers identify top performers and encourages continuous improvement within the logistics sector.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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LTL Freight Industry Seeks Stronger Shippercarrier Partnerships

LTL Freight Industry Seeks Stronger Shippercarrier Partnerships

This paper delves into the significance of the carrier-shipper relationship in the LTL freight market, analyzing the need for collaboration under the new market landscape. Using Saia LTL Freight as a case study, it emphasizes the importance of customer service. The article also provides practical guidance for shippers to improve their relationships with carriers, aiming to foster long-term, stable partnerships and achieve mutual benefits. The goal is to promote a win-win scenario for both carriers and shippers in the dynamic LTL freight industry.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Flexport Data Reveals Global Shipping Delays

Flexport Data Reveals Global Shipping Delays

The Flexport Ocean Timeliness Indicator (OTI) is a crucial tool for measuring global ocean freight stress. It tracks containers from factory to destination port, providing weekly data for Transpacific and Far East routes. By analyzing the OTI and its First Mile Index, businesses can understand current ocean shipping conditions, forecast future trends, optimize supply chain strategies, and improve decision-making efficiency. The OTI offers valuable insights into the complexities of ocean freight, enabling proactive responses to potential disruptions and enhancing overall supply chain resilience.

11/03/2025 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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US Trucking Market Rebounds Slowly Amid Lingering Challenges

US Trucking Market Rebounds Slowly Amid Lingering Challenges

FTR's latest report indicates a slight improvement in the U.S. Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) for September, though it remains negative, signaling a slow market recovery. Stabilizing fuel prices and modest freight demand growth contributed to the improvement. However, excess capacity and economic uncertainty continue to pose challenges. Carriers need to enhance efficiency, diversify services, and focus on technological innovation to navigate the evolving market landscape. The report suggests a cautious outlook for the trucking industry, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation to overcome ongoing headwinds.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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