US Freight Index Rises but Lags Behind Previous Year

US Freight Index Rises but Lags Behind Previous Year

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a 1.1% month-over-month increase in the Freight Transportation Services Index in January, but a 0.2% year-over-year decrease. Trucking and rail transportation growth were the primary drivers, while pipeline and air freight faced challenges. In the long term, U.S. freight volume shows a steady growth trend, but the pandemic accelerated structural changes in the industry. Future technological innovation and green transformation will bring new opportunities to the freight industry.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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TD Cowen Freight Index Points to Q1 Demand Slowdown

TD Cowen Freight Index Points to Q1 Demand Slowdown

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index Q1 report indicates structural recovery signs in the spot market, pricing strategies, and LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) market, despite weak freight demand. Full Truckload faces overcapacity, and parcel shipping experiences intense competition. LTL pricing discipline may erode. Businesses need to monitor market dynamics and adjust strategies accordingly. This report highlights key trends in the freight market, including challenges in Full Truckload and parcel, while pointing to potential improvements in specific areas like LTL. Understanding these shifts is crucial for effective freight management.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Q1 2025 Freight Index Shows Diverging Multimodal Pricing Trends

Q1 2025 Freight Index Shows Diverging Multimodal Pricing Trends

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index reveals a mixed bag for different transportation modes despite overall weak freight demand. Truckload spot rates are slightly up, but contract rates remain under pressure. Parcel carriers are adapting to market competition through flexible pricing strategies. LTL pricing remains stable, but there are signs of weakening pricing discipline. The index provides valuable market insights and decision-making support for freight companies.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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AFS Cowen Launch Freight Index to Forecast Market Trends

AFS Cowen Launch Freight Index to Forecast Market Trends

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index provides forecasts for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), and Parcel shipping rates. It empowers businesses to optimize costs and improve supply chain management through data-driven insights. The index offers valuable information for budgeting, negotiation, and strategic planning in the transportation sector. By analyzing historical trends and market dynamics, the Cowen/AFS Freight Index helps companies make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving logistics landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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AFS Cowen Launch Freight Index to Predict Market Trends

AFS Cowen Launch Freight Index to Predict Market Trends

Cowen, in partnership with AFS, has launched a freight index to forecast pricing for LTL, Truckload, and Parcel shipments. The inaugural index reveals rising Truckload rates and a decrease in average LTL weight. This index aims to provide valuable insights into the current state and future trends of the freight market, assisting businesses in making informed decisions regarding their logistics strategies and transportation costs. By analyzing key indicators, the index offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving dynamics within the freight industry.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Recession Worsens As Cass Index Points to Downturn

Freight Recession Worsens As Cass Index Points to Downturn

The latest Cass Freight Index report indicates a decline in both freight volume and expenditures for October, signaling a heightened risk of economic downturn. Businesses need to optimize their supply chains, refine inventory management, and improve service quality. Furthermore, close monitoring of market dynamics and embracing technological innovation are crucial. By addressing these challenges proactively, companies can seize opportunities and achieve sustainable growth amidst economic headwinds.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Cass Freight Index Dips in October Fueling Recession Fears

Cass Freight Index Dips in October Fueling Recession Fears

The Cass Freight Index indicates declines in both freight volume and expenditures for October, signaling potential economic headwinds. Freight volume decreased by 9.5% year-over-year, while expenditures fell by 23.3%. A confluence of factors is creating challenges in the market. Companies should adopt strategies such as lean operations and diversification to navigate these difficulties.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Market Slows Amid Seasonal Downturn DAT Index

US Trucking Market Slows Amid Seasonal Downturn DAT Index

The November DAT Truckload Capacity Index reveals a mixed performance in the US freight market, influenced by seasonality and Thanksgiving. The index showed fluctuating capacity, with spot rates for refrigerated trucks increasing while contract rates declined across the board. Experts believe March will be a crucial turning point for the market, emphasizing the need to monitor the potential risk of port strikes. The overall outlook remains uncertain, requiring careful observation of key economic indicators and geopolitical developments impacting the transportation sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Bank of America Freight Index Falls Amid Economic Slowdown

Bank of America Freight Index Falls Amid Economic Slowdown

The Bank of America Freight Payment Index indicates a dual decline in US freight volume and spending, although the narrowing decline suggests a potential market bottom. Key influencing factors include shifting consumer spending patterns, economic headwinds, and geopolitical risks. The report recommends that freight companies actively innovate and governments optimize policies to jointly address challenges and seize opportunities. The freight market faces challenges due to economic downturn and changing patterns but the reduced decline may indicate a bottoming out.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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