US Shipping Rates Drop As Supply Outpaces Weak Demand

US Shipping Rates Drop As Supply Outpaces Weak Demand

Freight rates on US routes continue to decline, with the SCFI index falling for three consecutive weeks. The oversupply situation has made companies cautious about shipping, leading to concerns among industry insiders about future rate drops. Despite pressures from the global trade landscape, the market still hopes for a rebound in rates with the arrival of the traditional peak season.

08/04/2025 Logistics
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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.

US Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

The Cass Freight Index indicates a decline in both U.S. freight volumes and expenditures in August, signaling a potential economic slowdown. Freight volumes decreased by 9.3% year-over-year and 1.5% month-over-month. Freight expenditures fell by 0.4% year-over-year and 2.8% month-over-month. This data reflects weakening consumer demand and corporate inventory adjustments, raising concerns about future economic trends. The index serves as a warning sign, suggesting a possible deceleration in economic activity.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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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.

In-depth Analysis of Rate Class in Air Waybill

In-depth Analysis of Rate Class in Air Waybill

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Rate Class in air freight waybills. Rate refers to the freight charge, while Rate Class indicates the types of charges, typically filled out by carriers. It defines basic rates and rates for classified goods, along with their calculation methods. The article also discusses the freight rates for special cargo and categorizes additional charges, offering readers a clear framework for understanding air freight pricing.

New Tariffs Trigger Sharp Drop in Global Shipping Rates

New Tariffs Trigger Sharp Drop in Global Shipping Rates

Recently, the SCFI freight index from the Shanghai Shipping Exchange has continuously decreased, particularly along the West and East Coast routes of the U.S., with significant rate declines. Soft demand, coupled with the upcoming implementation of new tariff policies, presents fresh challenges and uncertainties for the market. Shipping companies are closely monitoring the impact of tariffs on import prices and the economy, anticipating large-scale shifts in the supply chain.

Trucking Conditions Briefly Improve but Challenges Persist

Trucking Conditions Briefly Improve but Challenges Persist

The FTR Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) showed a brief improvement in the US trucking industry in May, primarily driven by lower diesel prices and a slightly better freight rate environment. However, significant excess capacity remains a major challenge, making the road to recovery difficult. Market participants should exercise cautious optimism, closely monitor market dynamics, and aim for steady progress. The temporary boost doesn't negate the underlying issues plaguing the sector.

New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Transportation Market Trends

New Cowenafs Index Aims to Predict Transportation Market Trends

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index is a quarterly report designed to provide institutional investors with predictive pricing tools covering key freight sectors like Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), and Parcel. Leveraging AFS Logistics' vast data and Cowen's expert analysis, the index offers forward-looking, granular, and technology-driven market insights to empower investment decisions. It aims to provide a comprehensive view of the freight market, enabling informed strategies and risk management for investors navigating the complexities of the transportation industry.

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen

Freight Market Braces for Weak Peak Season TD Cowen

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index indicates a slight increase in LTL rates in Q3, driven by factors like Yellow's bankruptcy and soft demand. Parcel rates decreased. A muted peak season is anticipated for Q4, with limited TL freight growth. The index reflects the current complex and volatile freight market, along with a trend of shippers actively optimizing their logistics networks. The impact of Yellow's exit and ongoing economic uncertainty are key factors shaping the near-term outlook for the industry.