LTL Freight Grows As Truckload Sector Struggles

LTL Freight Grows As Truckload Sector Struggles

The freight market is experiencing weak demand, leading to divergent performance between LTL and TL carriers. LTL freight demonstrates greater resilience due to its business characteristics and industry barriers. Truckload transportation faces more significant challenges and requires proactive transformation and diversification to adapt to market changes. The market is becoming increasingly differentiated, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments by companies in both segments to navigate the current economic climate and maintain competitiveness.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Truck Driver Shortage Worsens Straining US Supply Chains

Truck Driver Shortage Worsens Straining US Supply Chains

The American Trucking Associations reported a significant increase in truck driver turnover rates in the third quarter, with large truckload fleets reaching 92% and smaller fleets at 74%. The less-than-truckload sector also experienced a slight increase. This driver turnover exacerbates existing capacity challenges, requiring transportation companies to proactively address the issue by improving driver compensation and benefits to ensure the stability of the logistics supply chain. Addressing driver retention is crucial for maintaining efficient freight movement.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Cowenafs Index Predicts Future Freight Rates

New Cowenafs Index Predicts Future Freight Rates

The Cowen/AFS Freight Index leverages data and machine learning to forecast less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), and parcel rates, providing valuable insights for market decision-making. It offers a data-driven approach to understanding and predicting freight pricing trends, enabling businesses to optimize their logistics strategies and improve cost efficiency. The index serves as a crucial benchmark for industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of the freight market and make informed decisions regarding transportation costs.

01/21/2026 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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US Truckload Market Stabilizes in July Despite Rising Fuel Costs

US Truckload Market Stabilizes in July Despite Rising Fuel Costs

DAT reports that U.S. truckload freight volumes remained stable in July, with slight fluctuations in spot rates. Dry van volumes decreased slightly, while refrigerated volumes performed strongly, and flatbed volumes declined. Fuel surcharges increased, leading to a corresponding rise in contract rates. Overall, the market remains soft, and its future direction is uncertain. Carriers need to closely monitor market dynamics.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Executives Prepare for Prolonged Demand Slump by 2026

Trucking Executives Prepare for Prolonged Demand Slump by 2026

Trucking executives are anxiously awaiting the new year, hoping that pent-up demand in 2026 will translate into higher freight rates, driving both truckload and less-than-truckload segments back to profitability. Macroeconomic conditions, fuel prices, labor costs, and environmental regulations are all creating operational pressures for the industry. Companies are actively adjusting their strategies to meet these challenges, but whether the industry can turn the corner remains uncertain. The industry faces a complex interplay of factors that will determine its financial future.

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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TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Cooling Amid Economic Pressures

TD Cowen Index Shows Freight Market Cooling Amid Economic Pressures

Freight indices indicate peak season strength or weakness, with varying activity across different transportation markets. LTL rates are increasing, parcel rates are decreasing, and truckload rates remain stable. Influenced by macroeconomic factors and others, flexibility and responsiveness are crucial. The freight index provides insights into the current state of the logistics market and helps businesses understand the trends in transportation rates, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt to market fluctuations effectively. Monitoring these indicators is key for navigating the complexities of the logistics landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Faces Winter Demandrate Imbalance DAT

Trucking Industry Faces Winter Demandrate Imbalance DAT

DAT's latest report indicates a divergence between demand and rates in the truckload spot market from January 26th to February 1st. Dry van rates decreased, while refrigerated demand and rates experienced a significant drop. Flatbed market remained relatively stable. Experts advise closely monitoring market data, optimizing operational efficiency, expanding business scope, strengthening customer relationships, and embracing technological innovation to navigate market challenges. These strategies can help carriers adapt to fluctuating demand and maintain profitability in a dynamic freight environment.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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