Freight Index Reveals Trucking Parcel and LTL Market Trends

Freight Index Reveals Trucking Parcel and LTL Market Trends

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index reveals emerging trends in the freight market for Q1 2025. While the trucking sector shows signs of recovery, overcapacity persists. The parcel market navigates a delicate balance between pricing strategies and market realities. The LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) market remains stable but faces ongoing challenges. This report provides valuable insights for logistics decision-makers, offering a comprehensive overview of the current freight landscape and potential future developments.

Strategies to Control Hidden Fees in LTL Freight Shipping

Strategies to Control Hidden Fees in LTL Freight Shipping

Rising LTL freight surcharges now account for nearly 9% of shippers' costs. This paper analyzes the reasons behind the surcharge increases and their impact. It proposes four strategies to address this issue: refined data analysis, optimized transportation planning, carrier negotiation, and strengthened internal management. The aim is to help businesses effectively control LTL transportation costs, improve profitability, and enhance competitiveness. By implementing these strategies, companies can mitigate the financial burden of surcharges and achieve greater efficiency in their LTL shipping operations.

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.

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.

DC Logistics Merges Operations to Strengthen Southwest LTL Market

DC Logistics Merges Operations to Strengthen Southwest LTL Market

DC Logistics integrates GLS US Freight and GLS US Solutions, aiming to create a leading LTL freight "super engine" in the Southwest region. This move enhances its service capabilities in California, Arizona, and Texas, providing more comprehensive, efficient, and reliable logistics solutions. The integration is designed to address future challenges and reshape the Southwest logistics landscape. By combining the strengths of both companies, DC Logistics seeks to offer superior services and solidify its position as a key player in the region's freight market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Automated LTL Rfps Cut Costs for Global Healthcare Firms

Automated LTL Rfps Cut Costs for Global Healthcare Firms

This paper explores how global healthcare companies can leverage automated Less-than-Truckload (LTL) Request for Proposal (RFP) solutions to optimize transportation processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. By providing access to a broad carrier network, eliminating manual errors, maximizing RFP efficiency, and supporting data-driven decision-making, automated RFPs empower businesses to gain a competitive edge in a demanding market. The automation streamlines the selection process, ensuring optimal carrier partnerships and ultimately leading to significant cost savings and improved supply chain performance.

Old Dominion Freight Posts Strong Q4 on Market Share Growth

Old Dominion Freight Posts Strong Q4 on Market Share Growth

Old Dominion Freight Line reported strong Q4 performance, with revenue increasing nearly 30%. This growth was driven by increases in both daily LTL tonnage and LTL revenue per hundredweight. The company continues to gain market share through superior service and network coverage. Old Dominion is also actively investing in future development to address industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities, positioning itself for continued success in the LTL freight market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Saia Gains Market Share As Yellows Exit Shakes LTL Sector

Saia Gains Market Share As Yellows Exit Shakes LTL Sector

Saia Freight's Q4 performance exceeded expectations, signaling a thriving LTL market in the post-Yellow Trucking era. Market share redistribution and macroeconomic recovery are key drivers. Saia Freight successfully attracted new freight volume through operational efficiency and service quality. The company plans to further optimize its network layout and enhance service capabilities to capitalize on the growing demand and solidify its position in the evolving LTL landscape. This strong performance suggests a positive outlook for Saia and the broader LTL industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Roadrunner Opens New LTL Hub in New York Metro Area

Roadrunner Opens New LTL Hub in New York Metro Area

Roadrunner Freight has opened a new LTL terminal in the New York-New Jersey area to enhance outbound freight capabilities in the Northeast and meet customer demand. By collaborating with agents and optimizing its independent contractor network, Roadrunner is expanding its service coverage and improving operational efficiency. This expansion aims to provide customers with more reliable, flexible, and economical logistics solutions. The new terminal will support increased freight volume and improve transit times for shipments within and beyond the region.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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