The Daily Dash: UPS’ blowout quarter; Mayor Pete now Secretary Pete

Forward Air announces general rate increase as costs continue to climb

As e-commerce surged in 2020, especially heading into the holidays, UPS Inc. saw demand for its services rise, and that led to a stellar Q4. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, the surge in e-commerce resulted in a strong Q4 for UPS, which easily beat analysts’ estimates. Plus, the U.S. Senate confirms Pete Buttigieg as U.S. Department of Transportation secretary, and Forward Air announces a general rate increase.

Times are good

As e-commerce surged in 2020, especially heading into the holidays, UPS Inc. (NYSE: UPS) saw demand for its services rise, and that led to a stellar Q4.

Mark Solomon looks at UPS’ financial performance: UPS shreds fourth-quarter estimates as demand surged

Mayor Pete is now Secretary Pete

Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg was overwhelmingly confirmed as the next U.S. Department of Transportation secretary on Tuesday by the U.S. Senate.

John Gallagher has more on Mayor Pete: Pete Buttigieg confirmed as DOT secretary

Prices are following costs higher

Operating costs are rising, and carriers are responding. Forward Air (NASDAQ: FWRD) is the latest to announce a general rate increase.

Todd Maiden has more on the increase: Forward Air announces 6% general rate increase

More insight for SONAR users

Freight markets are always changing – that is why brokers, shippers, carriers, analysts and others subscribe to FreightWaves SONAR. The data platform has two new additions to further help subscribers improve their operational performance.

Scott Mall details the new indices: New contract rate per mile and ocean TEUs indices help SONAR subscribers

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DHL Reefertanks aimed at transporting bulk liquid goods

Canada-based Fuel Transport adopts project44’s Advanced Visibility Platform

U.S. Xpress to deploy Platform Science technology

Merchants Fleet orders 12,600 GM BrightDrop electric vans

The most dangerous interstates for truckers: No. 4 — I-20

Did you miss this?

SONAR’s Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI.USA) rose last week, breaking a multi-week decline and signaling a return of freight volumes – at least temporarily.

Seth Holm has details: Outbound tender volumes reverse, break multiweek losing streak

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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Brian Straight

Brian Straight leads FreightWaves' Modern Shipper brand as Managing Editor. A journalism graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has covered everything from a presidential election, to professional sports and Little League baseball, and for more than 10 years has covered trucking and logistics. Before joining FreightWaves, he was previously responsible for the editorial quality and production of Fleet Owner magazine and fleetowner.com. Brian lives in Connecticut with his wife and two kids and spends his time coaching his son’s baseball team, golfing with his daughter, and pursuing his never-ending quest to become a professional bowler. You can reach him at bstraight@freightwaves.com.