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 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 As LTL Struggles Parcel Prices Rise

Q1 Trucking Gains As LTL Struggles Parcel Prices Rise

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report indicates emerging signs of recovery in the truckload market, with rising spot rates, although contract rates remain under pressure. Parcel pricing strategies are proving effective, with fuel surcharge adjustments generating revenue, but discount competition is intense. While LTL rates remain stable, pricing discipline is beginning to erode, and fuel surcharges are declining. The report offers insights into current trends and challenges within the freight transportation industry, highlighting the interplay of spot and contract rates, pricing strategies, and fuel surcharges.

01/15/2026 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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Global Ocean Freight Delays Challenge Crossborder Logistics

Global Ocean Freight Delays Challenge Crossborder Logistics

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the transit time characteristics of major global sea freight routes. It reveals key factors influencing sea freight transit time, including route distance, vessel type, port efficiency, and seasonal climate. The aim is to help cross-border e-commerce sellers and international traders accurately control the lifeline of cross-border logistics, optimize transportation plans, reduce operating costs, and enhance market competitiveness. It offers valuable insights for improving supply chain efficiency and making informed decisions regarding sea freight options.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Ozon Expands Sameday Delivery in Russian Ecommerce Market

Ozon Expands Sameday Delivery in Russian Ecommerce Market

Russian e-commerce platform Ozon achieves same-day delivery in major cities through its self-built logistics network, intelligent warehousing, and localized distribution. Its key components are a three-tier architecture of 'forward warehouses + local sorting + last-mile delivery,' an AI demand forecasting model, and a flexible capacity pool. Integrating with Ozon's logistics network is crucial for sellers aiming for same-day delivery. Ozon's logistics system offers valuable lessons for other e-commerce platforms looking to improve their delivery speed and efficiency within the Russian market.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Singapore Patents Key Strategies for Higher Approval Rates

Singapore Patents Key Strategies for Higher Approval Rates

This article analyzes the key steps and risks involved in Singapore patent registration, and evaluates mainstream service providers. It focuses on comparing the registration success rate, service models, and technical support of three institutions: Lawtrot, Anders IP, and Ascent Bridge Consulting. The conclusion indicates that Lawtrot, with its high success rate, full-chain service, and global resource integration, is a better choice for companies to establish a Singapore patent portfolio. It offers a comprehensive and efficient approach to navigating the complexities of the Singapore patent system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Errorfree Bills of Lading in Shipping

Guide to Errorfree Bills of Lading in Shipping

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the core function, mandatory content, and filling specifications of the Shipping Instruction (SI) in international ocean shipping. It emphasizes the importance of information consistency and offers solutions to common errors, aiming to help shippers avoid risks and ensure smooth cargo transportation. The paper also explores future trends in SI management in the digital age. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for accurate and efficient SI completion, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and secure international shipping process.

01/15/2026 Document Interpretation
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Guide to DDP and DDU Incoterms in Global Shipping

Guide to DDP and DDU Incoterms in Global Shipping

This article delves into the core differences between DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) and DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) in international shipping. It provides a detailed comparison of these two Incoterms, highlighting variations in customs clearance responsibilities, tax and duty obligations, risk transfer, and operational complexity. The article offers guidance on choosing between DDP and DDU based on specific scenarios and emphasizes the importance of clear contract terms. This aims to help businesses mitigate risks and optimize costs in international trade by making informed decisions regarding delivery terms.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Ecommerce Platforms Gain Traction Beyond Wordpress

Ecommerce Platforms Gain Traction Beyond Wordpress

This article provides an in-depth analysis of choosing a website builder platform for cross-border e-commerce independent sites, with a focus on comparing the advantages and disadvantages of WordPress and similar platforms. Aimed at novice sellers, the article elaborates on key factors such as technical barriers, functional scalability, cost structure, customization options, and customer support. It offers a comprehensive selection reference to help sellers choose the most suitable platform for their business development. The goal is to empower sellers to make informed decisions.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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