TD Cowen Index Analyzes Parcel LTL and Truckload Pricing Trends

TD Cowen Index Analyzes Parcel LTL and Truckload Pricing Trends

The latest TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index report reveals a complex freight market. Parcel shipping faces intense discounting, while LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) pricing remains robust. Truckload demand, however, shows weakness. Shippers need a deep understanding of these market dynamics to navigate the challenges and adapt their strategies accordingly. The report highlights the contrasting trends across different freight modes, emphasizing the need for shippers to be agile and informed in their decision-making to optimize costs and maintain efficient supply chains.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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
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XPO Logistics Sells North American Truckload Unit to Refocus Strategy

XPO Logistics Sells North American Truckload Unit to Refocus Strategy

XPO Logistics sold its North American less-than-truckload (LTL) business to TransForce, aiming to optimize its business structure, reduce debt, and focus on core strengths. This move marks a significant step in XPO's strategic adjustment, allowing it to concentrate on core businesses like its freight brokerage network. TransForce, on the other hand, expands its market share in North America through this acquisition. Analysts believe this is a win-win strategic arrangement, benefiting both companies by allowing them to better focus on their respective strengths and strategic goals.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Truckload Demand Weakens in September Amid Minor Rate Rise

US Truckload Demand Weakens in September Amid Minor Rate Rise

The US truckload freight market in September exhibited a peculiar phenomenon: volume decreased while rates increased. DAT data indicates a decline in dry van and refrigerated freight volumes, with a slight increase in flatbed. Spot rates generally rose, but contract rates showed mixed trends. Analysts suggest the rate increase isn't demand-driven but rather due to freight imbalances and capacity shifts, indicating structural market issues and potential challenges for the peak season. Carriers should be wary of risks, as the industry may face a downturn.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Spot Rates Flat in April Market Uncertainty Grows

US Truckload Spot Rates Flat in April Market Uncertainty Grows

The US spot truckload market experienced stagnant volume and rates in April, influenced by macroeconomic factors, inventory levels, seasonality, and policy. The market is essentially 'frozen.' Dry van and refrigerated capacity indexes declined month-over-month, while flatbed saw a slight increase. The widening gap between contract and spot rates indicates market weakness. Future trends are subject to economic conditions, tariffs, and summer shipping demand, making the recovery path uncertain. The combination of these factors suggests a challenging period for the trucking industry.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Market Stabilizes in July Despite Rising Fuel Costs

US Truckload Market Stabilizes in July Despite Rising Fuel Costs

DAT reports that U.S. truckload freight volumes remained stable in July, with slight fluctuations in spot rates. Dry van volumes decreased slightly, while refrigerated volumes performed strongly, and flatbed volumes declined. Fuel surcharges increased, leading to a corresponding rise in contract rates. Overall, the market remains soft, and its future direction is uncertain. Carriers need to closely monitor market dynamics.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Demand Slows As Rates Volumes Decline in July

US Truckload Demand Slows As Rates Volumes Decline in July

The US truckload market showed signs of cooling in late July, with both rates and volumes declining. The dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed sectors all exhibited weakness. Sluggish agricultural shipments significantly impacted the refrigerated market. A combination of economic headwinds, excess capacity, and seasonal factors contributed to the market challenges. Freight companies and shippers need to closely monitor market dynamics and leverage data-driven decision-making to navigate the current environment. The downturn highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in the face of market volatility.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Winter Storms Push Truckload Rates to Record Highs in January

Winter Storms Push Truckload Rates to Record Highs in January

Recent data from DAT Freight & Analytics reveals that US freight volume hit a historic high in January due to the impact of cold weather, leading to a surge in spot rates. Experts analyze that this is not a long-term trend, and the market is expected to return to seasonal patterns in the future. Shippers and carriers need to flexibly adjust strategies, optimize transportation networks, strengthen cooperation, and leverage technology to cope with market changes.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Q3 Parcel Rates Defy Trends LTL and Truckload Rates Steady

Q3 Parcel Rates Defy Trends LTL and Truckload Rates Steady

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index reveals mixed trends in the US freight market for Q3. Unprecedented discounts in parcel shipping offset rising fuel surcharges. LTL pricing remains stable, but per-shipment weight is declining. Truckload faces continued headwinds from weak demand and excess capacity, with limited near-term improvement expected. This index provides valuable insights for businesses developing their freight strategies.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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XPO Logistics Sells North American Truckload Unit to Refocus Strategy

XPO Logistics Sells North American Truckload Unit to Refocus Strategy

XPO Logistics sold its North American less-than-truckload (LTL) business to TransForce, aiming to repay debt, focus on core businesses, and optimize capital allocation. This strategic adjustment allows XPO to concentrate resources on more advantageous business areas. Simultaneously, TransForce expands its North American market share through the acquisition. The deal signifies a shift in strategy for both companies, with XPO streamlining operations and TransForce bolstering its presence in the LTL sector. The divestiture represents a key element in XPO's ongoing efforts to improve financial performance and enhance shareholder value.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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