Freight Forwarders Guide to Decoding Global Shipping Costs

Freight Forwarders Guide to Decoding Global Shipping Costs

International sea freight costs consist of basic freight, surcharges, and other fees. Basic freight is calculated based on cargo size and distance. Surcharges, including port, fuel, currency adjustment, and peak season surcharges, fluctuate with the market. Other fees cover insurance, customs clearance, and quarantine. Savvy freight forwarders need to understand the cost structure to choose the appropriate solution and control logistics costs effectively.

01/16/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Truck Driver Shortage Drives Up Freight Labor Costs

Truck Driver Shortage Drives Up Freight Labor Costs

According to the American Trucking Associations, the driver turnover rate at large truckload carriers surged to 92% in the third quarter, while smaller carriers reached 74%. Less-than-truckload (LTL) remained relatively stable at 14%. This high turnover reflects challenges in the freight market, including driver shortages and increased competition. Companies need to actively address these issues to ensure supply chain stability and mitigate the impact of driver attrition on their operations. Addressing driver retention is crucial for maintaining service levels and profitability in the current environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Datadriven Freight Payment Cuts Logistics Costs Boosts Efficiency

Datadriven Freight Payment Cuts Logistics Costs Boosts Efficiency

In the face of a complex and ever-changing logistics environment, businesses urgently need to embrace data-driven freight payment and management models. Through refined freight auditing, optimized transportation modes, and the construction of diversified supply chains, companies can not only reduce costs and improve efficiency but also build a resilient logistics system. This allows them to move forward steadily amidst uncertainty and achieve sustainable development.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Index Forecasts Future Shipping Costs for Logistics

Freight Index Forecasts Future Shipping Costs for Logistics

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index, a collaboration between Cowen Inc. and AFS Logistics LLC, provides businesses with predictive pricing tools across LTL, Truckload, and Parcel sectors. Leveraging AFS's extensive freight data and advanced machine learning algorithms, the index forecasts future freight rate trends. This enables companies to optimize logistics strategies and reduce operational costs by providing insights into anticipated price fluctuations. The index aims to be a valuable resource for businesses seeking to improve their freight management and budgeting processes.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shippers Adopt Data Strategies Amid Rising Freight Costs

Shippers Adopt Data Strategies Amid Rising Freight Costs

Facing a heated freight market, businesses need data-driven strategies to optimize supply chains and reduce costs. By analyzing historical data, optimizing carrier selection, improving operational efficiency, and establishing cross-departmental collaboration, companies can effectively manage and lower annual freight costs. This approach enables sustainable development under increasing executive scrutiny. Data analysis provides insights for better decision-making, leading to significant cost savings and improved supply chain performance. Proactive measures are crucial to navigate market volatility and maintain a competitive edge.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to Avoiding Air Freight Volumetric Weight Costs

Guide to Avoiding Air Freight Volumetric Weight Costs

This article provides an in-depth analysis of international air freight cost calculation rules, focusing on the billing principles of volumetric weight versus actual weight. It offers a detailed breakdown of cost components, calculation examples, and a guide to avoiding common pitfalls. The aim is to help shippers effectively control logistics costs and mitigate potential risks associated with international air freight, especially regarding the impact of volumetric weight on the final price. Understanding these principles is crucial for optimizing shipping strategies.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Digital Logistics Networks Cut Freight Costs Boost Efficiency

Digital Logistics Networks Cut Freight Costs Boost Efficiency

This paper explores the role of digital logistics networks in addressing traditional freight challenges. It emphasizes how technological innovation enables the digitization and automation of freight processes, thereby enhancing transparency, capacity assurance, cost control, efficiency, and security. The paper argues that embracing digital logistics networks is a key strategy for businesses to succeed in a competitive market. By leveraging digital solutions, companies can optimize their supply chains and gain a significant advantage.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ocean Freight Costs Explaining GRI and PSS Surcharges

Ocean Freight Costs Explaining GRI and PSS Surcharges

This article delves into the General Rate Increase (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) common in ocean freight, explaining their definitions, influencing factors, and Flexport's approach. It emphasizes the importance of transparent pricing and provides practical advice for planning freight budgets, helping shippers navigate the volatility of the ocean freight market. Understanding these charges and proactive budgeting are crucial for efficient supply chain management and minimizing unexpected costs. By providing clarity and actionable insights, this resource empowers shippers to make informed decisions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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2025 Freight Classification Changes to Affect Logistics Costs

2025 Freight Classification Changes to Affect Logistics Costs

NMFTA will reform the NMFC in 2025 to simplify classification, enhance transparency, and adapt to modern logistics. The reform focuses on new trends such as density-based pricing, aiming for a win-win future for all stakeholders. This update seeks to streamline the process and better reflect the current realities of the freight industry, ultimately impacting logistics costs and how freight is classified and rated. The changes are designed to improve efficiency and clarity within the National Motor Freight Classification system.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Chinathai Trade Key Factors Shaping Sea Freight Costs

Chinathai Trade Key Factors Shaping Sea Freight Costs

This article delves into the key factors influencing shipping prices from China to Thailand, including shipping routes, cargo types, packaging methods, and transit times. It explores ways to obtain the most competitive quotes. Furthermore, it examines the future development trends of China-Thailand shipping services in the context of digitalization and green initiatives. The analysis provides insights into optimizing costs and navigating the complexities of cross-border logistics between China and Thailand.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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