Spotlight
Why Chicago brokers call contract rates ‘paper rates’
Why Chicago brokers call contract rates ‘paper rates’

The boundary between spot and contract pricing is always shifting, especially when freight markets are volatile.

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Port Report: Kuehne + Nagel looking to offset shippers' risk from IMO 2020 switchover
Port Report: Kuehne + Nagel looking to offset shippers' risk from IMO 2020 switchover

Largest ocean freight forwarder sees fuel bills increasing as much as 50 percent based on current price spreads.

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Focus on efficiencies powers Expeditors' fourth quarter; net revenue decelerated through 2018
Focus on efficiencies powers Expeditors' fourth quarter; net revenue decelerated through 2018

A solid quarter, year despite decelerating sequential net revenue.

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Atlas Air posts solid quarter, full-year results; tees up bullish 2019 outlook
Atlas Air posts solid quarter, full-year results; tees up bullish 2019 outlook

A solid year with more on tap for 2019, Atlas says.

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Walmart earnings give Amazon a run for its money
Walmart earnings give Amazon a run for its money

Walmart’s latest earnings report beat analysts expectations today, with  e-commerce sales growing by 43 percent during the company’s fourth quarter.

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Dat van freight rate index: SONAR: Datvf.laxdal (seasonal chart)

Dat van freight rate index: SONAR: Datvf.laxdal (seasonal chart)

Freight market normalizes after tulmultuous 2017-18.

SONAR aggregates data from hundreds of sources, presenting the data in charts and maps and providing commentary on what freight market experts want to know about the industry–in real time. If you are interested in gaining insights with thousands of freight market charts and maps, sign up for a SONAR demo.

INSURANCE & CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
App-less cell phone-based freight tracking is dead
App-less cell phone-based freight tracking is dead

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Telecom operators are terminating cell phone based tracking services, which would be a game changer in the freight industry as many shippers and 3PLs depend on cellphone pings to track freight movement.

Video safety initiatives reduce driver turnover and improve driving behavior
Video safety initiatives reduce driver turnover and improve driving behavior

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Fleet safety needs to be looked at as a part of operations and not as an addendum, as initiatives like video safety can help reduce driver turnover and mitigate the impact of litigations that arise due to collisions, both from a cost and a time perspective

Optimizing drayage to reduce demurrage and detention charges at the port
Optimizing drayage to reduce demurrage and detention charges at the port

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

When incurring demurrage and detention charges, shippers and carriers lose out on hundreds of dollars per diem. Optimizing drayage operations and dispatching cargo as quickly as possible could help in reducing the burden, especially during unanticipated port delays.

The trucking guide to staying safe on the road during harsh winters
The trucking guide to staying safe on the road during harsh winters

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Winter has set in, making it hard for truckers to navigate the snowed-in and slippery roads. Marilena Acevedo from PetroChoice outlines measures that could be taken by the fleet leadership and drivers to stay safe during these times.

Spotting phony pickups and ID scams is crucial for cargo safety
Spotting phony pickups and ID scams is crucial for cargo safety

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Cargo theft in absolute numbers is minuscule. But that does not negate the havoc it plays on the image of the carrier in question, and the supply chain disruptions it leaves at its wake.

Tackling cargo theft by reducing operational vulnerability
Tackling cargo theft by reducing operational vulnerability

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

With cargo theft being a regular occurrence, it is vital for fleets to stay alert and train their personnel to keep the truck and the trailer safe from hijackers.

How blockchain can be a solution for cyber crime and more right now
How blockchain can be a solution for cyber crime and more right now

The Department of Homeland Security is looking for some innovative companies to get them on a blockchain. Smart contract tendering—among other applications—should be readily achievable by a company with some sensible approaches.

6 reasons your company could use cyber liability insurance
6 reasons your company could use cyber liability insurance

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

It’s not just hackers and security that can lead to a “cyber” problem. Exposures are vast. Just having an internet presence and shared databases creates exposure. Awareness is essential to managing risk.

Winter is coming: 12 tips for your air, electric, and wheel system survival
Winter is coming: 12 tips for your air, electric, and wheel system survival

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

This week we offer specific ways to focus on air systems, electric and controls, and wheel ends.

What fleets can do to beat back rising insurance costs
What fleets can do to beat back rising insurance costs

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Why are rates rising in this first year of full ELD compliance? What can be done to maximize margins?

How can tech help drivers sleep?
How can tech help drivers sleep?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Since July 2017, dayzz has been developing an evidence-based, personalized sleep training app for enterprise workforces to improve sleep quality while reducing healthcare and employer costs.

Futures trading isn't gambling, and leaving yourself exposed can be risky: DTN's Susich
Futures trading isn't gambling, and leaving yourself exposed can be risky: DTN's Susich

It’s a tricky balance between risk and safety, but in the trucking world, before freight futures, there was no way to protect a company’x exposure.

It's all about repetition: how drivers and fleets prepare for severe weather
It's all about repetition: how drivers and fleets prepare for severe weather

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Think you’re well acquainted with the fundamentals? Safety is about more than just good planning and communication.

How Scroll is developing data security solutions on blockchain
How Scroll is developing data security solutions on blockchain

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Still in its infancy, blockchain is increasingly being adopted by companies seeking data security solutions. Scroll is one such company.

Distracted driving could be solved for fleets with a simple technology
Distracted driving could be solved for fleets with a simple technology

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

The company’s patent-pending approach is differentiated by its reliability, low power consumption, and what they call seamless integration.

Health risks of over-the-road truckers under new study
Health risks of over-the-road truckers under new study

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

A Canadian research team is trying to better understand factors that impact driver’s health, safety, and wellness.

5 steps drivers can take to lower their risk of being involved in a crash
5 steps drivers can take to lower their risk of being involved in a crash

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Learn how truck drivers can be more proactive about safety on the roadways in light of the recent increase in fatal crashes.  

The emerging urgency to protect yourself against cyber crimes
The emerging urgency to protect yourself against cyber crimes

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

As we witness an open flow of IT information from vehicles of all kinds, it is critical to consider firewalls and anti-malware protection as well as cyber liability insurance coverage.

King of the Road? 3 reasons to keep truckin’
King of the Road? 3 reasons to keep truckin’

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

It’s been a wild year, and while at times it may feel more like riding a bull than being “King of the Road,” just hang on a little longer. The times are changing and they’re changing fast.

Brake safety day: raising awareness to raise safety standards
Brake safety day: raising awareness to raise safety standards

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Many of the 1,600 violations were easily preventable, but no one had caught them prior to the surprise inspection.

Data in, data out: What’s data got to do with driver retention?
Data in, data out: What’s data got to do with driver retention?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

One of the most important opportunities remains frequently overlooked when it comes to data: the human element.

We have the technology: is solving drunk driving as easy as it sounds?
We have the technology: is solving drunk driving as easy as it sounds?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

The idea that technology will save lives is exciting on the one hand. On the other, just how seamless will the technology be? Will it be optional or mandatory?

Top 3 ways to attract and retain supply chain talent
Top 3 ways to attract and retain supply chain talent

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

A survey of nearly 16,000 warehouse workers uncovers three key factors to attracting and retaining supply chain talent in anticipation of holiday peak season and single-digit unemployment rate.

162 transportation and logistics companies make the 2018 Inc. 5000
162 transportation and logistics companies make the 2018 Inc. 5000

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

If you’re obsessed with growth, you’ll love the report. If you’re obsessed with logistics and the movement of freight, you’ll love the news even more.

Training drivers post-incident, in nice small nuggets
Training drivers post-incident, in nice small nuggets

The idea behind the new training program is to work with the drivers involved in an incident right away, wherever they are, and not eat up too much of their time.

Women make better drivers than men so why aren't there more during a capacity crunch?
Women make better drivers than men so why aren't there more during a capacity crunch?

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Among other things, women are known to take fewer risks on the road and also drive more carefully compared to men, thereby reducing the number of accidents caused due to negligence.

Technology as a means to improve safety, retention
Technology as a means to improve safety, retention

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

Savvy companies know how to utilize technology to help solve retention issues, which, with patience, will lead to stronger quarters.

DOT pilot program to study the safety of 18-20 year-old commercial drivers
DOT pilot program to study the safety of 18-20 year-old commercial drivers

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

The DOT’s pilot program to study the feasibility of 18-21-year-old drivers will have an insurance impact, but what exactly do insurance providers think of the proposal?

Cybersecurity is fast becoming critical, yet remains a non-core competency for most executives
Cybersecurity is fast becoming critical, yet remains a non-core competency for most executives

In partnership with Reliance Partners ...

With autonomous vehicles virtually at our doorstep, it is becoming mission critical for carriers and drivers to protect themselves. Points of vulnerability will be exploited by those who seek to cause harm, economically or otherwise.

Can you solve the driver problem by making trucking cool again?
Can you solve the driver problem by making trucking cool again?

Sponsored by Reliance Partners…

Other than the economy slowing and unemployment rising, is there a solution to the driver problem?

FREIGHTWAVES MARKET INSIGHTS
Freight market normalizes after tumultuous 2017-18
Freight market normalizes after tumultuous 2017-18

National spot rates have been flying high for the past year, but have only recently fallen under previous year values as illustrated on FreightWaves newest charting feature.

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Weekly Market Update: So far, so February
Weekly Market Update: So far, so February

So far this February has been what we would expect. Does the normally slow month have any surprises up its sleeves?

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Atlanta to Philadelphia spot rate lowest since February of 2016
Atlanta to Philadelphia spot rate lowest since February of 2016

Atlanta to Philadelphia’s spot rate has hit its lowest point in 3 years. The absolute rates may be similar, but the freight markets could not be further apart.

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The worst freight month
The worst freight month

January used to be known as the worst month for freight, but consumer trends are starting to change that.

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Weekly Market Update: Has the freight market bottomed?
Weekly Market Update: Has the freight market bottomed?

Volumes and capacity remain flat through the first week of February. Has the freight market weathered the slowest part of the year?

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Boston vs. L.A.: Backhaul versus headhaul
Boston vs. L.A.: Backhaul versus headhaul

The two Super Bowl teams and their fanbases are very different, just like their freight market identities.

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Weekly Market Update: Volumes recover as end of month nears; Polar vortex heats up Chicago
Weekly Market Update: Volumes recover as end of month nears; Polar vortex heats up Chicago

Freight volumes recover as January closes. The artic air freezes the Midwest as the Chicago market heats up.

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Transportation System Delivers Year-Round Produce
Transportation System Delivers Year-Round Produce

Americans have become used to buying fruit and vegetables year-round. But it wasn’t always that way, and improved transportation is the key to year-round produce.

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Spread between retail and rack diesel price could compress carrier margins in January
Spread between retail and rack diesel price could compress carrier margins in January

The DOE fuel price keeps sliding as wholesale or rack prices are increasing. This can have a negative impact to carrier margins in early 2019 after receiving the benefit of expanding fuel spreads in late 2018. SONAR’s newest index can help you monitor this.

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Weekly Market Update: Largest single day drop in freight volume since Spring of 2018
Weekly Market Update: Largest single day drop in freight volume since Spring of 2018

Last week had the largest single day percentage drop in volume since March of 2018. Capacity remained stable as we ride out the winter doldrums.

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Air Cargo rate from Hong Kong to North America correlates with single North American trucking lane rate
Air Cargo rate from Hong Kong to North America correlates with single North American trucking lane rate

How can air cargo and dry van spot market rates be related? Could the movement of these two seemingly unrelated rates provide more evidence the market is slowing?

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Weekly Market Update: Capacity abounds as volume flattens
Weekly Market Update: Capacity abounds as volume flattens

Capacity is abundant even though volume is relatively strong. Carriers are having little trouble covering the available freight making it a shippers’ paradise in mid-January.

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Purchasing Managers Index drops; shipment volumes next?
Purchasing Managers Index drops; shipment volumes next?

The falling Purchasing Managers Index tends to be correlated with the general freight market, the Cass Freight Shipment Index illustrates this. Is it time for carriers to pull back?

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Weekly Market Update: New Year starts with strong volume
Weekly Market Update: New Year starts with strong volume

The New Year has started off with a surprising amount of volume in the freight market. So far, capacity has been available to handle it. The tariff deadline extension may be providing a second wind.

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RECENT ARTICLES

Featured
Why Chicago brokers call contract rates ‘paper rates’
Why Chicago brokers call contract rates ‘paper rates’

The boundary between spot and contract pricing is always shifting, especially when freight markets are volatile.

Port Report: Kuehne + Nagel looking to offset shippers' risk from IMO 2020 switchover
Port Report: Kuehne + Nagel looking to offset shippers' risk from IMO 2020 switchover

Largest ocean freight forwarder sees fuel bills increasing as much as 50 percent based on current price spreads.

Focus on efficiencies powers Expeditors' fourth quarter; net revenue decelerated through 2018
Focus on efficiencies powers Expeditors' fourth quarter; net revenue decelerated through 2018

A solid quarter, year despite decelerating sequential net revenue.

Atlas Air posts solid quarter, full-year results; tees up bullish 2019 outlook
Atlas Air posts solid quarter, full-year results; tees up bullish 2019 outlook

A solid year with more on tap for 2019, Atlas says.

Walmart earnings give Amazon a run for its money
Walmart earnings give Amazon a run for its money

Walmart’s latest earnings report beat analysts expectations today, with  e-commerce sales growing by 43 percent during the company’s fourth quarter.

Container ports singled out in federal spending bill
Container ports singled out in federal spending bill

Congress is handing out $93 million in federal grants for improvements at the nation’s top 15 container ports.

TFI seeks courier BeavEx assets in bankruptcy deal
TFI seeks courier BeavEx assets in bankruptcy deal

TFI International Inc. wants to expand its last-mile business with the assets of U.S. courier BeavEX, which is seeking bankruptcy protection.

End of Airbus A380 production draws jeers, not tears from air cargo community
End of Airbus A380 production draws jeers, not tears from air cargo community

Airbus is ending production of the A380. Those in air cargo won’t miss the plane, because as big as it is, it doesn’t hold that much cargo!

FreightWaves NOW - February 19, 2019
FreightWaves NOW - February 19, 2019

Today on FreightWaves NOW, we're loaded with chiefs, but don't worry, it's not too many chiefs in the kitchen to perform some fantastic up-to-moment analysis. First, Chief Meteorologist, Nick Austin brings us what's happening with the weather across the U.S. Then, Chief Economist, Ibrahiim Bayaan shows us three variations on a theme, all coming from a new index, the Institute of Supply Chain Management. Finally, Chief Insights Officer, Dean Croke shows us what is happening with the sudden surge in freight prices from Europe to the East Coast, and what that means for hours of service and utilization--also why is Savannah one of the most efficient ports for drivers?

Truck recalls exceed sales, year in and year out
Truck recalls exceed sales, year in and year out

Nothing is certain except death and taxes. And, apparently, vehicle recalls.

Ice, snow, treacherous travel returning to several parts of the country
Ice, snow, treacherous travel returning to several parts of the country

Thick ice accumulation, several inches of snow will hit the Great Plains, Midwest and Northeast through Wednesday. Temporary disruptions in freight movement, supply chain likely.

Targa Resources sells stake in North Dakota shale to Blackstone Group
Targa Resources sells stake in North Dakota shale to Blackstone Group

Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) has agreed to sell a 45 percent stake of Targa Badlands LLC (Badlands), the entity which holds all of Targa’s assets in North Dakota, to investment funds owned by GSO Capital Partners and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities.

LogiMAT 2019: Warehouse automation company GreyOrange launches automated modular sortation system
LogiMAT 2019: Warehouse automation company GreyOrange launches automated modular sortation system

GreyOrange announced a AI-powered modular sortation system that provides flexible automation in modern distribution and logistics centers, and can sort close to 12,000 parcels per hour.

EU agrees to truck GHG emissions standards
EU agrees to truck GHG emissions standards

The European Parliament and the European Council have reached a provisional agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions from trucks by 30 percent compared to 2019 levels..

SIMBA Chain raises $500,000 in pre-seed funding
SIMBA Chain raises $500,000 in pre-seed funding

SIMBA Chain has raised $500,000 in a pre-seed financing round, according to PR Newswire. Backers of the round include Elevate Ventures, the Notre Dame Pit Road Fund, Tracy Graham (chief executive officer of Data Reality) and Hari Agarwal (chief executive officer of AECI International).

Schneider enlists Trucker Tools to provide better visibility and insights
Schneider enlists Trucker Tools to provide better visibility and insights

The transportation giant will be using cloud-based software applications Load Track and Smart Capacity to improve its processes and make working with Schneider’s logistics division as seamless as possible for carriers and drivers.

Trucking Freight Futures Atlanta: attendees ask about volatility, small players and liquidity
Trucking Freight Futures Atlanta: attendees ask about volatility, small players and liquidity

The audience in Atlanta was one of the most engaged and informed to date.

By offering supply chain optimization and better use of data, managed transportation providers continue growth trajectory
By offering supply chain optimization and better use of data, managed transportation providers continue growth trajectory

Shippers responded to tight capacity and high rates in 2018 by turning to managed transportation providers, and if the predictions for 2019 come true, they will likely continue down this path.

Emerging trends in the retail supply chain
Emerging trends in the retail supply chain

Sponsored by Redwood Logistics… We look at emerging trends in retail supply chain.

Today’s Pickup: Cargo thefts drop in 2018
Today’s Pickup: Cargo thefts drop in 2018

Cargo thefts fell 19 percent in 2018 compared to the year before, according to SensiGuard. Plus, the EU cuts a deal on truck emissions and another trucker protest is planned for this week.

Honda confirms Swindon plant closure
Honda confirms Swindon plant closure

Car manufacturer Honda confirmed the closure of its factories in Swindon and Turkey saying global trends were the cause of the closures that will occur at the end of the Honda Civic’s production cycle in 2021.

China may be first in large-scale autonomous vehicle adoption
China may be first in large-scale autonomous vehicle adoption

China leads the world in adopting futuristic transport technology and transit models - like electric vehicles and mobility as a service (MaaS). McKinsey believes that the trend would continue in autonomous driving niche as well.

Port Report: Hapag-Lloyd's fleet efficiency seen as tailwind going into 2020
Port Report: Hapag-Lloyd's fleet efficiency seen as tailwind going into 2020

Ocean carrier sees debt upgrade thanks to hitting cost synergy targets and fleet’s better fuel efficiency will help save operating expenses.

Brambles revenues in black… profits in red
Brambles revenues in black… profits in red

Brambles, a supplier of reusable pallets, crates and containers for the supply chain industries, recorded strong revenue growth but its profit was much lower in the first half of its financial year, according to results released to the Australian Stock Exchange.

Major legal setback for coal mining in Australia
Major legal setback for coal mining in Australia

An Australian court has refused permission for the creation of a coking-coal mine in New South Wales on the grounds that it would adversely contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and would set back the fight against climate change. Legal scholars are hailing the decision as a “hugely significant” ruling.

Amazon plans to cut carbon emissions from package delivery
Amazon plans to cut carbon emissions from package delivery

A new initiative aims to make half of the company’s shipments net zero (emissions) by 2030.

J.B. Hunt closes Cory 1st Choice acquisition
J.B. Hunt closes Cory 1st Choice acquisition

J.B. Hunt has closed its acquisition of Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery, adding the last-mile business to its Final Mile Services Division.

Railroads look to PTC to shake out more capacity
Railroads look to PTC to shake out more capacity

Positive Train Control isn’t just about safety anymore as the railroads revisit how the technology can generate capacity and save money.

FreightWaves NOW - February 18, 2019
FreightWaves NOW - February 18, 2019

Today on FreightWaves NOW, Market Expert Zach Strickland gives us a look at what's happening right now with market share, and a seasonality comparison between DAT Dry Van Freight Rates between now and the previous three years. Nick Austin updates us on the weather and points out some cool new features to SONAR 3.2.

Morgan Stanley invests in Indian logistics facilities
Morgan Stanley invests in Indian logistics facilities

Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing (MSREI), the private real estate investment arm of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), has purchased a majority stake of KSH Infra Pvt. Ltd. for INR (Rupees) 3.5 billion or $49 million.