|
LTL pricing index hits new high in Q4
Freight Waves Todd Maiden January 14, 2026
Less-than-truckload rates hit a new high in the fourth quarter “as carriers flex[ed] pricing power despite limited demand,” a quarterly report from 3PL AFS Logistics and financial services firm TD Cowen said on Wednesday. Rates are expected to cool modestly in the seasonally weak first quarter.
Large carriers shape freight markets: Q1 TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index
AFS Logistics/TD Cowen Press Release January 14, 2026
Even as demand has remained limited and mode optimization enables shippers to find savings, LTL carriers have resisted the urge to ‘buy’ freight volume via pricing concessions,” says Mich Fabriga, Vice President of LTL Pricing, AFS Logistics. “For shippers, understanding how their freight fits into the carriers’ network optimization puzzle is an important element to optimize freight spend, especially in anticipation of a market turnaround later in 2026.
Link: TD Cowen/AFS Logistics Freight Index Q1:2026 (Registration Required For Report Download)
Proliferation of parcel delivery surcharges drives up shipping rates
Freight Waves Eric Kulisch January 14, 2026
The blanket policy represents a major shift from previous demand charges that more precisely targeted delivery costs like volume surges, large packages and additional handling requirements.
Add-on fees are typically applied to cover the costs associated with providing additional services that require extra labor, specialized equipment, or extend beyond standard transportation and delivery efforts.
‘Classification Reimagined’ is improving LTL — and the industry asked for it
Journal of Commerce Debbie Sparks Executive Director NMFTA January 14, 2026 $Subscription Based
“Classification Reimagined” is an industry-driven initiative and has accomplished all its objectives, and then some.
Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight is complex and is not parcel by nature for carriers, shippers and brokers. But the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) simplified it.
Saia acquires 2 properties in North Carolina from XPO
Trucking Dive David Taube January 14, 2026
Saia spent $14.25 million on two properties in Kernersville, North Carolina, securing a much larger footprint than its closest terminal in Greensboro, according to county records. XPO previously owned the sites.
Southeastern Freight Lines Boosts Cross-Border Operations
Transport Topics Keiron Greenhalgh January 14, 2026
“Our customers are looking for simplicity in today’s increasingly complex supply chain,” said Richard Slater, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Southeastern Freight Lines. “This partnership with Fletes México Carga Express allows us to meet our customers’ growing demand for reliable service in and out of Mexico.
Abilene Motor Express being absorbed into Swift
Freight Waves John Kingston January 14, 2026
Abilene Motor Express, almost eight years after being acquired by Knight Swift, is being folded into the Swift Transportation segment at the company.
“This alignment helps us work more cohesively, move faster and better serve our drivers and customers,” Johnson said in the internal communication.
|
