New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Freight Rate Trends

New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Freight Rate Trends

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is released, providing institutional clients with pricing forecasts for LTL, TL, and parcel shipments to aid market decision-making. This index offers valuable insights into current and future freight rates, enabling businesses to optimize their logistics strategies and improve profitability. By leveraging the data and analysis provided, companies can make informed choices regarding carrier selection, contract negotiations, and overall transportation planning. The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is a crucial tool for navigating the complexities of the freight market.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Freight Costs and Transit Times from Italy to China Analyzed

Air Freight Costs and Transit Times from Italy to China Analyzed

This article provides a detailed analysis of the cost components of air freight from Italy to China, including cargo type, weight, volume, route, carrier selection, and surcharges. It also explores key factors influencing air freight transit time, such as flight frequency, customs clearance efficiency, and weather conditions. Furthermore, it offers freight cost estimation references, aiming to assist businesses and individuals in making more informed logistics decisions. The analysis helps to understand the complexities and optimize the air freight process between Italy and China.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Chinaus Air Freight Costs Key Factors and Fees Explained

Chinaus Air Freight Costs Key Factors and Fees Explained

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the composition of air freight costs from China to the United States, including basic air freight, export charges (China), and import charges (US). It also analyzes key factors affecting air freight prices, such as airline selection, cargo attributes, weight class, seasonality, fuel prices, and exchange rate fluctuations. The importance of a comprehensive understanding of all costs and influencing factors is emphasized, and advice is provided to businesses and individuals on selecting air freight solutions.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Great Lakes Rail Bypass Faces Delays Amid Chicago Congestion

Great Lakes Rail Bypass Faces Delays Amid Chicago Congestion

A $2.8 billion bypass rail project, championed by GLBT, aims to alleviate Chicago's freight congestion, but faces funding and demand challenges. The Surface Transportation Board's (STB) decision will have significant implications. Freight companies need to pay close attention to and participate in the process. The proposed bypass seeks to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the Chicago rail network, a critical hub for North American freight. Success hinges on securing sufficient investment and demonstrating sustained demand for rail freight services.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Struggles As Auto Shipments Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Struggles As Auto Shipments Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of February. However, automobile and parts transportation saw an increase, while coal shipments experienced a significant drop. Year-to-date freight volume showed a slight increase, but intermodal remained weak. North America mirrored the U.S. trend, with a small rise in overall freight volume but a decrease in intermodal transportation. The divergence highlights shifting dynamics within the freight transportation sector.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Gates Backs Convoys 62M Funding to Rival Uber Freight

Gates Backs Convoys 62M Funding to Rival Uber Freight

Freight software company Convoy secured $62 million in funding led by Bill Gates, positioning itself as a challenger to Uber Freight. Convoy leverages technology to optimize freight processes and reduce empty miles, attracting clients like Unilever. The U.S. freight market is vast but inefficient, and companies like Convoy are driving digital transformation within the industry, aiming for more efficient, transparent, and sustainable transportation. This investment highlights the growing interest in tech-driven solutions to modernize the logistics sector and address its inherent inefficiencies.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Freight to Belgium Key Factors for Speed and Efficiency

Air Freight to Belgium Key Factors for Speed and Efficiency

This article delves into the key factors impacting air freight transit times to Belgium, including origin, transit points, weather conditions, and airline selection. It provides a reference for ideal transit times from Europe, North America, and Asia to Belgium. Furthermore, it addresses frequently asked questions regarding air freight duration from China to Belgium, the factors influencing air freight costs, and cargo tracking. The aim is to assist readers in effectively planning their air freight solutions and capitalizing on business opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Bank of America Freight Index Shows Signs of Stabilizing

Bank of America Freight Index Shows Signs of Stabilizing

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a continued decline in U.S. freight volumes and spending in Q2, but the contraction is slowing, potentially signaling a market bottom. Regional freight performance varies, with consumer spending shifting towards services and persistent high inflation impacting the freight market. Analysts suggest that the triple pressure of low volumes, low rates, and high costs may lead to further capacity reduction in the industry. The reduced decline could be a positive sign, but challenges remain.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sector Faces Mixed Outlook Amid Challenges

US Rail Freight Sector Faces Mixed Outlook Amid Challenges

U.S. rail freight volume has recently declined, but year-to-date totals still show growth. Performance varies across commodity categories, facing economic headwinds and competitive pressures. However, opportunities remain. This analysis examines recent trends in rail freight, utilizing AAR data to provide insights into the market dynamics. It explores the factors contributing to the current situation and identifies potential areas for future growth within the rail freight industry. The report also considers the impact of broader economic conditions on rail freight demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Key Differences Between Master and House Air Waybills in Freight

Key Differences Between Master and House Air Waybills in Freight

Significant differences exist between Master Air Waybills (MAWB) and House Air Waybills (HAWB) in international air freight, including issuance, ownership, applicable scenarios, and risks. MAWBs are issued by airlines and represent ownership, suitable for bulk cargo. HAWBs are issued by freight forwarders, not representing ownership, and are used for consolidated shipments. The choice depends on cargo volume, cost, risk tolerance, and requires attention to freight forwarder reputation, document verification, insurance purchase, and regulatory compliance. Careful consideration ensures efficient and secure air freight operations.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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