#transportation-economics
(25 articles)Diesel at 5-Year Highs: Structural Supply Shock Threatens Fleet Margins
Diesel prices have reached their highest settlement levels in history, driven by a confluence of structural supply constraints rather than temporary shocks. Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineri
Diesel Prices Fall Again: What It Means for Your Logistics
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the national diesel average has declined for the second consecutive time within an eight-week period, signaling a moderating trend in one of su
Diesel Prices Fall Again: What It Means for Your Logistics Costs
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the national diesel average has declined for the second consecutive time within an eight-week period, signaling potential relief for transporta
Rail Coal Volumes Forecast to Rise in Q4; Tank Car Capacity Threatens
Telegraph's Freight Market Intelligence division projects a modest but historically significant reversal in coal rail volumes, forecasting under 1% year-over-year growth in Q4—the first uptick after m
Trucking Market Enters Supply-Driven Cycle With Room to Tighten
The US trucking market has fundamentally shifted into a supply-constrained cycle, according to recent SONAR data analyzed by FreightWaves. Current accepted truckload volumes average 9,800 with rejecti
Proficient Auto Logistics Acquisition Reshapes 25% of North America Market
Proficient Auto Logistics announced a transformative $130 million acquisition of California-based Hansen & Adkins, positioning the combined entity to control approximately 25% of North America's new c
Covenant Logistics Revenue Up, But Cost Pressures Squeeze Margins
Covenant Logistics reported mixed financial results as revenue growth was offset by escalating operational costs, resulting in margin compression. This pattern reflects broader industry headwinds affe
CSX & Knight-Swift Show Freight Recovery Signs Amid Fuel Cost Pressures
CSX and Knight-Swift, two major players in North American freight and logistics, are signaling early indicators of a freight cycle recovery, suggesting improved demand and pricing power in the rail an
Diesel Spikes Amid Hormuz Tensions: Trucking Cost Crisis
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are triggering sharp increases in diesel prices, creating significant operational challenges for trucking companies and broader supply chains. The article
Fuel Price Shocks Disrupt Freight Markets Globally
Fuel price volatility is creating significant friction in global freight markets, with cascading effects across trucking, ocean, and air cargo segments. When energy costs spike unexpectedly, carriers
Fuel Surcharges Push Parcel Shipping Rates to Near-Record Levels
Parcel carriers are implementing fuel surcharges that have pushed small-package shipping rates near record-high levels, a response to elevated energy costs and transportation pressures. This developme
Rising Truck Costs Drive Intermodal Adoption, IANA Report Shows
The intermodal transportation sector is experiencing renewed momentum as trucking costs rise and capacity tightens across North American freight networks. According to the Intermodal Association of No
Oil Price Shocks Disrupt Trucking and Shipping Markets
Crude oil price volatility is creating cascading disruptions across trucking and maritime shipping networks, pressuring carriers' operating margins and forcing shippers to reassess transportation stra
Fuel Price Shocks Disrupting Global Freight Markets
Fuel price shocks continue to destabilize freight markets worldwide, creating cascading impacts across trucking, ocean, and air freight sectors. When energy costs spike unexpectedly, carriers face mar
Oil Price Shock Threatens Shipping Margins & Logistics Costs
Oil price volatility is emerging as a critical risk factor for shipping and logistics companies, with energy costs directly impacting fuel surcharges, operational margins, and capital expenditure plan
Freight Factoring Costs: Real Rates & Hidden Fees Explained
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of freight factoring pricing structures, addressing a critical cash flow challenge for trucking carriers. Freight factoring typically ranges from 1.5% t
Rail Traffic Surges 7.1% as Intermodal Containers Jump 12%
U.S. rail freight volumes showed strong momentum through mid-June 2026, with combined carload and intermodal traffic reaching 521,998 units for the week ending June 20—a 7.1% year-over-year increase.
Freight Market Upturn Signals Recovery for For-Hire Carriers
The freight market is entering a recovery phase, with improved demand fundamentals benefiting established for-hire carriers. This upturn signals that logistics capacity constraints—a persistent challe
FedEx Uses Freight Spin-off to Redeem $4.15B in Debt
FedEx has announced a major debt reduction initiative, tendering up to $4.15 billion in notes following the successful spin-off of its FedEx Freight subsidiary. This strategic use of proceeds from the
India Freight Costs Set to Stay High; Industry Seeks Policy Relief
Indian industry participants are bracing for sustained elevated freight costs, signaling a structural shift in logistics economics across the subcontinent. The planned engagement between logistics sta
Scale Trucking Without Asset Ownership: Asset-Light Strategy
The trucking industry is undergoing a strategic shift toward asset-light business models, where operators leverage independent carriers and broker networks rather than maintaining company-owned fleets
Laredo Toll Hike Faces Freight Industry Opposition
The Laredo border crossing has announced toll rate increases that are generating significant resistance from the freight and logistics sector. This development is noteworthy because Laredo is one of t
Truckload Spot Rates to Remain High Through 2026
Truckload spot rates are expected to maintain elevated levels well into 2026, signaling a structural shift in North American freight pricing dynamics rather than a cyclical correction. This forecast r
FedEx Pullback Signals Broader Shift in Parcel Market Valuation
FedEx's strategic pullback from certain market segments is forcing a recalibration of carrier valuations and reshaping expectations around parcel capacity and pricing power. This development reflects
Q2 2026 Freight Brokerage Rate Report: Market Forecast
FreightWaves, in partnership with Truckstop.com, has released its Q2 2026 Freight Brokerage Rate Report, a comprehensive market intelligence resource designed specifically for freight brokers navigati