Freight Rates

Refrigerated carrier Marten Transport saw improved Q2 results due to tighter capacity, enabling better freight selection and higher rates.

Escalating conflict in Iran has disrupted plastic supply chains, leading to higher prices and a stop-start recovery for materials.

Increased state-level safety inspections and CDL enforcement are tightening the trucking market, reducing capacity and raising spot rates

The Northwest Seaport Alliance saw a 12.4% year-to-date drop in container volumes at Seattle and Tacoma ports

Geopolitical tensions have led to higher oil prices, increasing costs for consumer goods and freight.

Luxembourg secures €54 million in EU-approved state aid to offset rising fuel costs for road and rail freight operators

Global container freight rates have fallen for two consecutive weeks, influenced by reduced US demand and increased vessel supply

Dalian Commodity Exchange iron ore futures saw a slight decline, alongside a drop in spot prices at Qingdao Port

Ukrainian grain exports are rerouting to Danube and western border points following increased attacks on Black Sea ports

Soybean futures are approaching a May 2024 high due to strong export demand, rising crude oil prices, and weather concerns

Kuehne+Nagel completed 2,000 layoffs and is now focusing on AI-driven cost cutting, with non-growth divisions facing scrutiny

Saudi oil tankers face a $5 million per shipment surcharge due to Houthi attacks forcing reroutes around Africa.

AI-related shipments are projected to keep Trans-Pacific container rates elevated despite recent spot rate declines

Ocean freight rates from South Asia to the US and Europe surged by 50% in two weeks due to capacity cuts and Hormuz tensions

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) advanced for the second consecutive session, primarily due to gains in the capesize and panamax segments.

Iron ore futures have recovered from two-week lows, supported by strong Chinese steel production and import demand.

Thermal coal futures held near a one-month high of $131 per tonne in late July, driven by Indonesian supply concerns

Indian steelmakers are turning to the domestic market as exports weaken, but face stiff competition from Chinese imports

Dubai crude oil prices have surged, raising inflation concerns for South Korea and increasing the likelihood of interest rate hikes

Chinese steel rebar futures recovered to CNY 3,090/ton, supported by higher iron ore prices and positive sentiment.

Attacks on Black Sea grain infrastructure have driven wheat prices to a two-year high, impacting global commodity markets

The US truckload market is undergoing a repricing cycle, with carriers adjusting rates due to tightening capacity.

Marine insurance costs for southern Red Sea transits have doubled for some companies after recent Houthi attacks on a tanker

Container spot rates are falling on key East-West routes, driven by increased vessel capacity and softer demand.

A long-standing broker transparency regulation is expected to see a new proposal from the FMCSA this month.

FedEx has announced increased peak season surcharges for 2026, affecting various shipping services.

Trucking companies cut active fleets by 2.4% and idled 10% of trucks in 2026 due to record operating costs

DSV's quarterly operating profit surged by 32.5%, driven by Schenker integration benefits in air freight and contract logistics.

MSC and CMA CGM have implemented new surcharges for Panama Canal transits due to operational issues and low water levels.

Kuehne+Nagel increased its 2026 profit guidance, citing a 35% surge in Air Logistics earnings and robust sea freight volumes