www.chrobinson.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
2606:4700:4400::ac40:94cd
Public Scan
Submitted URL: http://go.e.chrobinson.com/dc/zbHR4ckLk3NHbAZ4q6lj2WboYHkQ84P2ikGg4iY-P2-dye1hmJd8xm_Rzk9b845LPdT-OJeBAVG_rDV0rDO9tYuyvtOlq...
Effective URL: https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/resources/insights-and-advisories/north-america-freight-insights/oct-2024-freight-market-u...
Submission: On October 03 via manual from IN — Scanned from DE
Effective URL: https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/resources/insights-and-advisories/north-america-freight-insights/oct-2024-freight-market-u...
Submission: On October 03 via manual from IN — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 2 forms found in the DOM
<form id="mktoForm_1048" data-mkt-fid="1048" data-mkt-trk="mkto-subscribe-nast-insights" data-mkt-rcp="True" novalidate="novalidate" class="mktoForm mktoHasWidth mktoLayoutLeft"
style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); width: 1601px;">
<style type="text/css">
.mktoForm .mktoButtonWrap.mktoSimple .mktoButton {
color: #fff;
border: 1px solid #75ae4c;
padding: 0.4em 1em;
font-size: 1em;
background-color: #99c47c;
background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, from(#99c47c), to(#75ae4c));
background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(top, #99c47c, #75ae4c);
background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(top, #99c47c, #75ae4c);
background-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, #99c47c, #75ae4c);
}
.mktoForm .mktoButtonWrap.mktoSimple .mktoButton:hover {
border: 1px solid #447f19;
}
.mktoForm .mktoButtonWrap.mktoSimple .mktoButton:focus {
outline: none;
border: 1px solid #447f19;
}
.mktoForm .mktoButtonWrap.mktoSimple .mktoButton:active {
background-color: #75ae4c;
background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, left bottom, from(#75ae4c), to(#99c47c));
background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(top, #75ae4c, #99c47c);
background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(top, #75ae4c, #99c47c);
background-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, #75ae4c, #99c47c);
}
</style>
<div class="mktoFormRow">
<div class="mktoFieldDescriptor mktoFormCol" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">
<div class="mktoOffset" style="width: 10px;"></div>
<div class="mktoFieldWrap mktoRequiredField"><label for="Email" id="LblEmail" class="mktoLabel mktoHasWidth" style="width: 100px;">
<div class="mktoAsterix">*</div>Email
</label>
<div class="mktoGutter mktoHasWidth" style="width: 10px;"></div><input id="Email" name="Email" maxlength="255" aria-labelledby="LblEmail InstructEmail" type="email" class="mktoField mktoEmailField mktoHasWidth mktoRequired"
aria-required="true" style="width: 150px;"><span id="InstructEmail" tabindex="-1" class="mktoInstruction"></span>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoFormRow">
<div class="mktoFieldDescriptor mktoFormCol" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">
<div class="mktoOffset" style="width: 10px;"></div>
<div class="mktoFieldWrap mktoRequiredField"><label for="Country" id="LblCountry" class="mktoLabel mktoHasWidth mktoSelectLabel" style="width: 100px;">
<div class="mktoAsterix">*</div>Country
</label>
<div class="mktoGutter mktoHasWidth" style="width: 10px;"></div><select id="Country" name="Country" aria-labelledby="LblCountry InstructCountry" class="mktoField mktoHasWidth mktoRequired" aria-required="true" style="width: 150px;">
<option value="">Select...</option>
<option value="United States">United States</option>
<option value="Afghanistan">Afghanistan</option>
<option value="Albania">Albania</option>
<option value="Algeria">Algeria</option>
<option value="American Samoa">American Samoa</option>
<option value="Andorra">Andorra</option>
<option value="Angola">Angola</option>
<option value="Anguilla">Anguilla</option>
<option value="Antigua and Barbuda">Antigua and Barbuda</option>
<option value="Argentina">Argentina</option>
<option value="Armenia">Armenia</option>
<option value="Aruba">Aruba</option>
<option value="Australia">Australia</option>
<option value="Austria">Austria</option>
<option value="Azerbaijan">Azerbaijan</option>
<option value="Bahamas">Bahamas</option>
<option value="Bahrain">Bahrain</option>
<option value="Bangladesh">Bangladesh</option>
<option value="Barbados">Barbados</option>
<option value="Belarus">Belarus</option>
<option value="Belgium">Belgium</option>
<option value="Belize">Belize</option>
<option value="Benin">Benin</option>
<option value="Bermuda">Bermuda</option>
<option value="Bhutan">Bhutan</option>
<option value="Bolivia">Bolivia</option>
<option value="Bosnia and Herzegovina">Bosnia and Herzegovina</option>
<option value="Botswana">Botswana</option>
<option value="Brazil">Brazil</option>
<option value="British Virgin Islands">British Virgin Islands</option>
<option value="Brunei Darussalam">Brunei Darussalam</option>
<option value="Bulgaria">Bulgaria</option>
<option value="Burkina Faso">Burkina Faso</option>
<option value="Burundi">Burundi</option>
<option value="Cambodia">Cambodia</option>
<option value="Cameroon">Cameroon</option>
<option value="Canada">Canada</option>
<option value="Cape Verde">Cape Verde</option>
<option value="Cayman Islands">Cayman Islands</option>
<option value="Central African Republic">Central African Republic</option>
<option value="Chad">Chad</option>
<option value="Chile">Chile</option>
<option value="China">China</option>
<option value="Colombia">Colombia</option>
<option value="Comoros">Comoros</option>
<option value="Congo">Congo</option>
<option value="Cook Islands">Cook Islands</option>
<option value="Costa Rica">Costa Rica</option>
<option value="Cote d'Ivoire">Cote d'Ivoire</option>
<option value="Croatia">Croatia</option>
<option value="Cuba">Cuba</option>
<option value="Cyprus">Cyprus</option>
<option value="Czech Republic">Czech Republic</option>
<option value="Denmark">Denmark</option>
<option value="Djibouti">Djibouti</option>
<option value="Dominican Republic">Dominican Republic</option>
<option value="Ecuador">Ecuador</option>
<option value="Egypt">Egypt</option>
<option value="El Salvador">El Salvador</option>
<option value="Equatorial Guinea">Equatorial Guinea</option>
<option value="Eritrea">Eritrea</option>
<option value="Estonia">Estonia</option>
<option value="Ethiopia">Ethiopia</option>
<option value="Falkland Islands (Malvinas)">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)</option>
<option value="Federated States of Micronesia">Federated States of Micronesia</option>
<option value="Fiji">Fiji</option>
<option value="Finland">Finland</option>
<option value="France">France</option>
<option value="French Guiana">French Guiana</option>
<option value="French Polynesia">French Polynesia</option>
<option value="French Southern Territories">French Southern Territories</option>
<option value="Gabon">Gabon</option>
<option value="Gambia">Gambia</option>
<option value="Georgia">Georgia</option>
<option value="Germany">Germany</option>
<option value="Ghana">Ghana</option>
<option value="Gibraltar">Gibraltar</option>
<option value="Greece">Greece</option>
<option value="Greenland">Greenland</option>
<option value="Grenada">Grenada</option>
<option value="Guadeloupe">Guadeloupe</option>
<option value="Guam">Guam</option>
<option value="Guatemala">Guatemala</option>
<option value="Guinea-Bissau">Guinea-Bissau</option>
<option value="Guinea">Guinea</option>
<option value="Guyana">Guyana</option>
<option value="Haiti">Haiti</option>
<option value="Holy See (Vatican City State)">Holy See (Vatican City State)</option>
<option value="Honduras">Honduras</option>
<option value="Hong Kong">Hong Kong</option>
<option value="Hungary">Hungary</option>
<option value="Iceland">Iceland</option>
<option value="India">India</option>
<option value="Indonesia">Indonesia</option>
<option value="Iraq">Iraq</option>
<option value="Ireland">Ireland</option>
<option value="Islamic Republic of Iran">Islamic Republic of Iran</option>
<option value="Israel">Israel</option>
<option value="Italy">Italy</option>
<option value="Jamaica">Jamaica</option>
<option value="Japan">Japan</option>
<option value="Jordan">Jordan</option>
<option value="Kazakstan">Kazakstan</option>
<option value="Kenya">Kenya</option>
<option value="Kiribati">Kiribati</option>
<option value="Kosovo">Kosovo</option>
<option value="Kuwait">Kuwait</option>
<option value="Kyrgyzstan">Kyrgyzstan</option>
<option value="Lao People's Democratic Republic">Lao People's Democratic Republic</option>
<option value="Latvia">Latvia</option>
<option value="Lebanon">Lebanon</option>
<option value="Lesotho">Lesotho</option>
<option value="Liberia">Liberia</option>
<option value="Libyan Arab Jamahiriya">Libyan Arab Jamahiriya</option>
<option value="Liechtenstein">Liechtenstein</option>
<option value="Lithuania">Lithuania</option>
<option value="Luxembourg">Luxembourg</option>
<option value="Macau">Macau</option>
<option value="Macedonia">Macedonia</option>
<option value="Madagascar">Madagascar</option>
<option value="Malawi">Malawi</option>
<option value="Malaysia">Malaysia</option>
<option value="Maldives">Maldives</option>
<option value="Mali">Mali</option>
<option value="Malta">Malta</option>
<option value="Marshall Islands">Marshall Islands</option>
<option value="Martinique">Martinique</option>
<option value="Mauritania">Mauritania</option>
<option value="Mauritius">Mauritius</option>
<option value="Mayotte">Mayotte</option>
<option value="Mexico">Mexico</option>
<option value="Monaco">Monaco</option>
<option value="Mongolia">Mongolia</option>
<option value="Montenegro">Montenegro</option>
<option value="Montserrat">Montserrat</option>
<option value="Morocco">Morocco</option>
<option value="Mozambique">Mozambique</option>
<option value="Myanmar (Burma)">Myanmar (Burma)</option>
<option value="Namibia">Namibia</option>
<option value="Nauru">Nauru</option>
<option value="Nepal">Nepal</option>
<option value="Netherlands Antilles">Netherlands Antilles</option>
<option value="Netherlands">Netherlands</option>
<option value="New Caledonia">New Caledonia</option>
<option value="New Zealand">New Zealand</option>
<option value="Nicaragua">Nicaragua</option>
<option value="Nigeria">Nigeria</option>
<option value="Niger">Niger</option>
<option value="Niue">Niue</option>
<option value="Norfolk Island">Norfolk Island</option>
<option value="Northern Mariana Islands">Northern Mariana Islands</option>
<option value="Norway">Norway</option>
<option value="Oman">Oman</option>
<option value="Pakistan">Pakistan</option>
<option value="Palau">Palau</option>
<option value="Panama">Panama</option>
<option value="Papua New Guinea">Papua New Guinea</option>
<option value="Paraguay">Paraguay</option>
<option value="Peru">Peru</option>
<option value="Philippines">Philippines</option>
<option value="Poland">Poland</option>
<option value="Portugal">Portugal</option>
<option value="Puerto Rico">Puerto Rico</option>
<option value="Qatar">Qatar</option>
<option value="Republic of Moldova">Republic of Moldova</option>
<option value="Reunion">Reunion</option>
<option value="Romania">Romania</option>
<option value="Rwanda">Rwanda</option>
<option value="Saint Helena">Saint Helena</option>
<option value="Saint Kitts and Nevis">Saint Kitts and Nevis</option>
<option value="Saint Lucia">Saint Lucia</option>
<option value="Saint Vincent And The Grenadines">Saint Vincent And The Grenadines</option>
<option value="Samoa">Samoa</option>
<option value="San Marino">San Marino</option>
<option value="Sao Tome and Principe">Sao Tome and Principe</option>
<option value="Saudi Arabia">Saudi Arabia</option>
<option value="Senegal">Senegal</option>
<option value="Serbia and Montenegro">Serbia and Montenegro</option>
<option value="Serbia">Serbia</option>
<option value="Seychelles">Seychelles</option>
<option value="Sierra Leone">Sierra Leone</option>
<option value="Singapore">Singapore</option>
<option value="Slovakia">Slovakia</option>
<option value="Slovenia">Slovenia</option>
<option value="Solomon Islands">Solomon Islands</option>
<option value="Somalia">Somalia</option>
<option value="South Africa">South Africa</option>
<option value="South Korea (Republic of Korea)">South Korea (Republic of Korea)</option>
<option value="Spain">Spain</option>
<option value="Sri Lanka">Sri Lanka</option>
<option value="Sudan">Sudan</option>
<option value="Suriname">Suriname</option>
<option value="Svalbard">Svalbard</option>
<option value="Swaziland">Swaziland</option>
<option value="Sweden">Sweden</option>
<option value="Switzerland">Switzerland</option>
<option value="Syrian Arab Republic">Syrian Arab Republic</option>
<option value="Taiwan">Taiwan</option>
<option value="Tajikistan">Tajikistan</option>
<option value="Thailand">Thailand</option>
<option value="The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia">The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia</option>
<option value="Timor-Leste">Timor-Leste</option>
<option value="Togo">Togo</option>
<option value="Tonga">Tonga</option>
<option value="Trinidad and Tobago">Trinidad and Tobago</option>
<option value="Tunisia">Tunisia</option>
<option value="Turkey">Turkey</option>
<option value="Turkmenistan">Turkmenistan</option>
<option value="Turks and Caicos Islands">Turks and Caicos Islands</option>
<option value="Tuvalu">Tuvalu</option>
<option value="U.S. Virgin Islands">U.S. Virgin Islands</option>
<option value="Uganda">Uganda</option>
<option value="Ukraine">Ukraine</option>
<option value="United Arab Emirates">United Arab Emirates</option>
<option value="United Kingdom">United Kingdom</option>
<option value="United Republic of Tanzania">United Republic of Tanzania</option>
<option value="Uruguay">Uruguay</option>
<option value="Uzbekistan">Uzbekistan</option>
<option value="Vanuatu">Vanuatu</option>
<option value="Venezuela">Venezuela</option>
<option value="Vietnam">Vietnam</option>
<option value="Wallis and Futuna">Wallis and Futuna</option>
<option value="Western Sahara">Western Sahara</option>
<option value="Yemen">Yemen</option>
<option value="Zaire">Zaire</option>
<option value="Zambia">Zambia</option>
<option value="Zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</option>
</select><span id="InstructCountry" tabindex="-1" class="mktoInstruction"></span>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoFormRow"><input type="hidden" name="Language_Preference" class="mktoField mktoFieldDescriptor mktoFormCol" value="English" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoFormRow" style="display: none;">
<div class="mktoFormCol" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">
<div class="mktoOffset mktoHasWidth" style="width: 10px;"></div>
<div class="mktoFieldWrap">
<div class="mktoHtmlText mktoHasWidth" style="width: 260px;">
<script src="https://pages.e.chrobinson.com/rs/313-RRT-629/images/dynamicGlobalForm.js"></script>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoFormRow">
<div class="mktoFormCol" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">
<div class="mktoOffset mktoHasWidth" style="width: 10px;"></div>
<div class="mktoFieldWrap">
<div class="mktoHtmlText mktoHasWidth" style="width: 260px;">
<div style="display: flex; justify-content: flex-start; align-items: flex-start;"><input name="marketingEmailConsent" id="marketingEmailConsent" type="checkbox" value="yes"
aria-labelledby="LblmarketingEmailConsent InstructmarketingEmailConsent" class="mktoField" style="width: 20px !important; margin-top: .2rem !important; margin-right: 1rem !important;">
<div>I agree to C.H. Robinson keeping me informed with personalized information and other marketing content that support my business needs. I may opt-out of C.H. Robinson marketing emails at any time by using the manage preferences link
within each email. Read our <a href="https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/privacy-notice/">global privacy notice</a>.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoClear"></div>
</div>
<div class="mktoButtonRow"><span class="mktoButtonWrap mktoSimple" style="margin-left: 140px;"><button type="submit" class="mktoButton">Subscribe</button></span></div><input type="hidden" name="formid" class="mktoField mktoFieldDescriptor"
value="1048"><input type="hidden" name="munchkinId" class="mktoField mktoFieldDescriptor" value="313-RRT-629">
</form><form data-mkt-fid="1048" data-mkt-trk="mkto-subscribe-nast-insights" data-mkt-rcp="True" novalidate="novalidate" class="mktoForm mktoHasWidth mktoLayoutLeft"
style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); visibility: hidden; position: absolute; top: -500px; left: -1000px; width: 1600px;"></form>Text Content
* Shippers
back Shippers
Reduce the need for multiple providers by tapping into our global suite of
services
Take your nearshoring strategy to the next level!
Explore our Cross-border solutions
* Freight Services
back Freight Services
* Air Freight
* Less than Truckload
* Ocean Shipping
* Truckload
* Supply Chain & Logistics Services
* Industries
back Industries
* Automotive Logistics
* Energy Logistics
* Food and Beverage Logistics
* Healthcare Logistics
* Retail Logistics
* Logistics Services by Region
back Logistics Services by Region
* Asia
* Europe
* Latin America
* North America
* Oceania
* Carriers
back Carriers
With C.H. Robinson, you get more loads to choose from than any other 3PL in
North America
Book and make offers instantly
Easily find the lanes and freight you want anytime, anywhere with Navisphere®
Carrier.
Book your next load today
* Become a Carrier
* Load Board
* Carrier Financial Services
back Carrier Financial Services
* C.H. Robinson Fuel Card
* Cash Advance
* Quick Pay
* Carrier Advantage Program
* Carrier Technology
back Carrier Technology
* Navisphere Carrier Mobile App
* TMS/API Connectivity
* Carrier Support
back Carrier Support
* Set Up Carrier Tracking
* Profit Calculator
* FAQs
* Carrier Specs
* Cross-Border Resources
* Glossary
* Technology
back Technology
Our technology is built by and for supply chain experts to bring faster, more
meaningful improvements to you
End-to-end visibility
More than just identifying disruptions on your shipments, we’re helping to
resolve them too.
Advanced visibility
* Shipper Technology
back Shipper Technology
* Navisphere
* Global TMS
back Global TMS
* Planning & Optimization
* Freight Visibility
* Pricing & Booking
* Reporting & Analytics
* Managed Services
* Carrier Technology
* Tech for small businesses
* Connectivity & Integrations
* Innovation
* Resources
back Resources
Freight market insights and supply chain resources to help drive better
outcomes for your business
Shipping your products across borders?
Engage with our specialized cross-border consultants.
Act now and transform your shipping strategy
* Resource Center
back Resource Center
* Case Studies
* Events
* Guides
* Videos
* Webinars
* White Papers
* Insights and Advisories
back Insights and Advisories
* Freight Market Updates
back Freight Market Updates
* Freight Market Update: October
* Robinson Roundup: September
* North American Trade & Tariff Insights
* Client Advisories
* C.H. Robinson Blog
* About
back About
We solve logistics problems for companies across the globe and across
industries, from the simple to the most complex
Achieve your logistics goals faster
Combine our global TMS technology with a full suite of logistics managed
services and supply chain consulting.
Explore TMC
* Corporate Responsibility
back Corporate Responsibility
* Diversity & Inclusion
* Community
* Corporate Sustainability
* Our Company
* Careers
* Global Newsroom
* Investors
* Contact
back Contact
Our global network of experts acts as an extension of your team, contact us
today to learn more how we can help you
* Find an Office
* Request a Quote
* Connect with an Expert
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a quote |
Load board
* Login
Login
* Navisphere
* Navisphere 2.0
* Navisphere Carrier
* Canadian Customs Portal – Login
* Portail Douane Canada -se connecter
* Oceania WMS Access
* Prime WMS
* EN-US
Sie bevorzugen eine andere Sprache? Erfahren Sie, was hier verfügbar ist.
*
*
*
*
1. Home
2. Resources
3. Insights and Advisories
4. North America & Global Freight Market Updates
5. Freight Market Update: October 2024
The following information is built on market data from public sources and C.H.
Robinson information advantage-based on our experience, data and scale. Use
these insights to stay informed, make decisions designed to mitigate your risk,
and avoid disruptions to your supply chain.
FREIGHT MARKET UPDATE: OCTOBER 2024
Updated October 3, 2024
Customize and download this report
Create PDF
SELECT THE TOPICS YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPORT:
Truckload Bid Season
North America Truckload
North America LTL Shipping
Ocean Shipping
International Air Freight
Intermodal & U.S. Ports
Drayage
North American Cross-border
Customs
Government & Regulations
Diesel Fuel
Download Custom PDF
THE LATEST INSIGHTS FOR YOUR ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN
* The U.S. Trade Representative decided to maintain Section 301 tariffs on
Chinese goods, including significant tariffs on batteries, steel,
semiconductors, and electric vehicle (EV) imports. Many tariffs went into
effect on September 27, 2024, focusing on reshoring and expanding U.S.
manufacturing for clean energy and advanced technology.
* Any disruption to the USEC and USGC will significantly impact the energy
sector as ports along both coasts are essential to imports and exports for
many energy components.
USEC & USGC imports: YTD volume through ports is 30,000 TEUs. Most shipments
originate from Asia.
USEC & USGC exports: YTD volume through ports is 71,000 TEUs for oil and gas
specifically.
* As interest rates continue to decrease, it could lead to more investment in
new technologies, infrastructure, and expansion activities for the
capital-intensive energy sector.
TOP STORY: U.S. EAST AND GULF COAST PORT STRIKE UPDATES
The U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are closed due to an organized labor
strike, resulting in shut-down shipping hubs and possibly causing significant
supply chain disruptions. An extended strike could lead to a shortage of goods
and operational delays associated with discharging vessels and clearing
backlogged inland-routed containers. Get the latest information here.
TRUCKLOAD BID SEASON 2025: 7 KEY STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
For years, the trucking industry has followed a cyclical pattern, each cycle
typically lasting 3–4 years, filled with annually reoccurring seasonal events.
Despite today’s elongated depressed market, there are still stages of over- and
under-supply within the cycle. Seasonal events, on the other hand, are more
stable and predictable, since they occur approximately at the same time each
year.
Some events, like produce season, increase demand, while others, like Roadcheck
week, constrain supply. But not all events are supply or demand related.
Typically, shippers undergo a procurement event each year. This process is often
conducted before the upcoming fiscal cycle. Because so many companies go through
this process at the same time, it is commonly known as bid season. Unlike
produce season or Roadcheck week, bid season is more of an operational event.
Of course, not all shippers send out a truckload request for proposal (RFP) at
the same time of the year. In fact, bids can be sent out year-round. But broadly
speaking, most RFPs occur around the turn of the calendar year, with the fourth
quarter being the busiest.
WHY IS BID SEASON SO IMPORTANT FOR TRUCKING?
Bid season is a critical time for all parties in the trucking industry, as
approximately two-thirds of truckload freight moves contractually. Given the
current economic conditions, shippers need to set the right plan for the
upcoming year, focusing on ways to maximize service levels while minimizing
freight costs. This often means going beyond asking for a rate from suppliers
and waterfall tender as needed.
7 STEPS TO NAVIGATING TRUCKLOAD BID SEASON
1. PREPARE YOUR DATA
Clean shipment-level data can help avoid the pitfalls of ghost freight, which
includes higher contractual rates from carriers and more procurement work on
your part.
2. ANALYZE SEGMENTS
All lanes are not created equal, so identifying proper segments by market
corridors helps you procure optimal bids. Check out our Procure IQ® tool for a
smarter way to buy.
3. REVIEW DEMAND PATTERNS
Understanding the volume and consistency of your freight allows you to bundle
certain weaker lanes to make your freight more attractive to providers.
4. ALIGN CAPACITY STRATEGIES
Using the results of your segment and demand patterns, you can more easily align
proper capacity solutions based on your specific needs—don’t try to force a
square peg through a round hole.
5. APPROACH PROCUREMENT STRATEGICALLY
Rationalize your supplier base, rather than attempting a ‘spray and pray’
methodology, which are correlated with low route guide performance.
6. CONSTRUCT YOUR ROUTE GUIDE
Build a lean, but thorough, route guide that utilizes a digitally-enabled spot
market plan that is intelligently dependent on market conditions, and trends
toward underperformance through the life of the execution cycle, don’t ride out
the storm.
7. BUDGET AND PLAN AHEAD
Fine tune your expected budget using the framework developed by MIT’s research
in collaboration with C.H. Robinson.
DIG DEEPER INTO TRUCKLOAD STRATEGY WITH ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Academic research from MIT and Iowa State University, in collaboration with C.H.
Robinson, shows market cycles are the most influential factor in first tender
acceptance (FTA) from a route guide.
In a loose, or oversupplied, market there tends to be better FTA than in
tight/undersupplied markets. That’s why when building the best truckload
strategy for your business, it pays to know what market cycle will be relevant
when the execution of the bid will take place.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR TRUCKLOAD BID SEASON 2025
The forecast for this upcoming year is already interesting. The first half of
2025 is expected to be a loose market that will transition into a tight market
by the second half of the year—check out the truckload forecast below for more
details on this.
No matter what 2025 has in store, there are always strategies you can use to
successfully navigate shifting truckload markets. The right solution will depend
on various factors within your company. For help determining your best course of
action, reach out to your C.H. Robinson account team
This helped me
NORTH AMERICA TRUCKLOAD TRENDS & FORECASTS SEASONAL PRESSURES AND SUPPLY TRENDS
SHAPE 2025 TRUCKLOAD FORECAST
U.S. SPOT MARKET FORECAST
The C.H. Robinson 2024 dry van linehaul cost per mile forecast remains
relatively unchanged at -5% year over year (y/y). This month also includes the
2025 forecast, which projects a 9% increase over the full year 2024 cost per
mile.
For the near-term outlook, don’t expect costs to decrease too much from today.
There has been a slight softening trend in recent weeks, but pressures from
end-of-month surges, hurricanes, and port labor issues should prevent new annual
lows. As the end of the year approaches, expect standard seasonality to increase
costs.
Moving into 2025, expect the first quarter to follow 2024 trends. There is often
some deviation from the forecast during this part of the year due to volatile
winter storms, but the base-case scenario for the quarter accounts for this.
After the midpoint of the year, expect lower carrier supply to raise the cost
per mile. The projected increase within Q3 and Q4 is a smaller increase than
previous upcycles, as no large demand catalyst is expected that would materially
increase inventory replenishment/freight volumes.
Without this catalyst on the horizon to drive rates up quickly, the forecast
predicts a slower ratcheting of rates upward to reflect closer alignment to the
cost to operate a truck, as the for-hire carrier base sees further attrition.
The 2024 refrigerated annual linehaul cost per mile forecast has been altered
downward slightly from an annual y/y comparison. The 2024 temperature controlled
forecast is now at -4% y/y. Within 2025, expect very similar dynamics within the
refrigerated space to unfold, like the dry van market, but at a slightly
tempered pace. The 2025 refrigerated annual linehaul cost per mile forecast is
projected to grow +7% y/y.
CONTRACT TRUCKLOAD ENVIRONMENT
The contractual landscape remains relatively unchanged in 2024. Because the
contract environment tends to follow the spot environment, monitoring the spot
market over the next few months will be important. Keep the duration of
contracts in mind, as longer-term commitments may see different pricing than
shorter-term commitments due to the 2025 rate outlook. The following insights
are derived from TMC, a division of C.H. Robinson, which offers a large
portfolio of customers across diverse industries.
Route guide depth (RGD) is an indicator of how the backup transportation
provider strategy works if the awarded provider rejects the tender. As displayed
in the following chart, the RGD has remained fairly flat for approximately two
years.
For long hauls of more than 600 miles, the RGD in August 2024 was 1.19 (1 would
be perfect performance and 2 would be very poor), which is 5.5% better than the
month of July at 1.26 but 1.7% worse than August 2023. As expected, RGD
performance has improved since the slight increase leading up to July. As
visually depicted in the charts, RGD is at very strong levels historically.
The trend for shorter hauls of less than 400 miles is similar. RGD for August
2024 for these shorter hauls was 1.11, which is 2.4% better than the previous
month but 1.8% worse than August 2023.
This decreased tension within the RGD highlights the seasonal components over
the past couple of months. With so much of the industry waiting to know when the
cycle will shift, typically a sustained increase in RGD over several months
represents a change in the market. As the chart above shows, RGD has not
increased in recent months beyond typical seasonal pressure.
Geographically, the west region has shifted the most in August as we have moved
beyond produce season, improving 7.4%. This performance moves it from the worst
performing region in July, back to being in line with the other regions at 1.14
in August.
While the other regions have all slightly improved in RGD performance in August,
the change in performance is nearly negligible. Some complexities mentioned in
last month’s report, such as retail season, regional produce, and the Canadian
rail labor issues were all driving factors in the temporary worsening in RGD in
July that has alleviated in August.
As heads turn to the east and gulf coast ports, there could be some temporary
degradation of route guides as supply chains are disrupted.
VOICE OF THE CARRIER FROM C.H. ROBINSON
C.H. Robinson has two customer communities, shipper customers and carrier
customers. What follows are aggregated insights from conversations with carriers
of all sizes to offer perspective into their top concerns over the past month.
MARKET INSIGHTS
* The market remains challenging, carriers continue to attempt to find ways to
decrease their operational costs and stay in business
* Bid season is starting to ramp up as is seasonally expected this time of year
EQUIPMENT
* Used equipment remains plentiful and at low prices
* New equipment costs remain elevated
* Truck parts and maintenance continue to be expensive
DRIVERS
* Retention levels overall are comfortable
* Driver pay has been stable recently, no large bonuses or pay raises, and some
cut wages
A key value proposition of C.H. Robinson to our contract carriers is aggregating
lane volume and demand pattern variability from our vast shipper network. This
provides contract carriers with more predictable volume from C.H. Robinson and
as a result, they are interested in and able to offer more consistent capacity
and market pricing with high performance. Engage your account teams for more
information on how to leverage our unrivaled scale.
REFRIGERATED TRUCKLOAD
Despite regional produce season ramping up out of the Pacific Northwest, the
broader temperature controlled market remains loose. Seasonally, there tends to
be pressure on capacity within the Northeast, driven by port activity. Given the
disruption caused by port labor issues, this could potentially be amplified this
year. Disruptions from hurricanes in the Southeast could exacerbate this as
well.
WESTERN UNITED STATES
Since Labor Day, historical trends have prevailed from southwest origin points.
Due to the broader market conditions, capacity has been widely available across
the region. Markets have begun to tighten out of the Pacific Northwest, which is
a trend that will likely continue over the coming months as seasonal freight
demand increases. Providing ample lead time will improve coverage and mitigate
price increases.
CENTRAL UNITED STATES
The mid-south market continues to soften, with capacity readily available. The
mid-north and Great Lakes regions are in the early stages of seasonal
tightening, but there hasn’t been too much movement of note just yet.
EASTERN UNITED STATES
The Southeast market remains very soft, and capacity is readily available. There
is more risk out of this region of the United States than any others currently,
due to weather and labor disruptions. Staying vigilant about current market
conditions is important in this region.
The Northeast is in a similar situation, as current capacity is ample, but
threats of labor issues and even hurricanes remain. Shorter lead time is more
challenging in the Northeast than the Southeast.
Subscribe to our Client Advisories for the most up-to-date information about
shifting market conditions. Work with your C.H. Robinson team to stay informed
on regionalized opportunities and how to best schedule freight to capitalize on
the best price and service.
FLATBED TRUCKLOAD
Much of the freight shipped via flatbed truck is industrial in nature.
Accordingly, many commodities see demand shifts—whether growth or
retraction—stemming from interest rates.
The Federal Reserve’s announcement of an interest rate reduction signals
inflation is easing. While no immediate changes are expected for flatbed
shipping, the interest rate adjustment will likely impact a gradual market
correction. Industrial manufacturers are sharing that large capital-intensive
projects have long lead times, so their order outlook for the second half of
2025 is optimistic. Interest rate reductions typically lead to increased
spending in the construction and manufacturing markets, which directly influence
flatbed demand.
Flatbed shippers should stay focused on maintaining reasonable freight rates
while balancing service expectations and scorecards heading into the end of
2024. Seasonal weather typically creates regional swings in flatbed capacity,
especially in regions where winter conditions are more severe. Carriers will
change routes and service areas to avoid the hazards that come with flatbed
shipping in winter. Be sure to outline any changes in securement or safety
processes, such as tarping and strapping, necessary in cold weather conditions.
This helped me
NORTH AMERICA LESS THAN TRUCKLOAD (LTL) SHIPPING NAVIGATING THE POST-YELLOW LTL
LANDSCAPE: PRICING, CAPACITY, AND DEMAND
As the anniversary of Yellow’s closure recently passed, it is evident the market
is still adjusting. While service levels have stabilized and freight previously
handled by Yellow has been swiftly absorbed, procurement activity remains high
as shippers strive to cut costs in an environment where carrier expenses have
risen in the last year.
LTL carriers have experienced weak tonnage levels, with nine consecutive
quarters of y/y decreases. There are many contributors to this experience,
including stagnant market demand, a concerted effort by carriers to optimize
freight networks, and modal conversion opportunities that shippers took
advantage of.
While LTL carriers are likely to maintain pricing discipline, former Yellow
terminals reopening capacity under new ownership and volume and profitability
comparisons becoming tougher y/y, there might be more strategic pricing
adjustments aimed at securing new volume within their networks.
Looking ahead, clear indicators of significant shifts in the LTL market remain
elusive. While over 160 of Yellow’s terminals have found new ownership (not all
within the transportation sector), over 100 owned and leased terminals are still
outstanding. The auctions of the remaining terminal locations in January will be
another factor that creates new channels of capacity. Of course, there will be
several months of onboarding time to consider as those terminals are reorganized
and redeveloped.
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector has contracted for the fifth
consecutive month, and the truckload market has not shifted enough to drive
large-sized shipments back into the LTL market. These factors will shape the
future of LTL, but current signals suggest a holding pattern of modest increases
at best.
Pay close attention to the truckload market cycle shift, as timing there could
have a large impact on LTL volumes and pricing. For more details, see the North
America Truckload Trends & Forecasts section or reach out to a C.H. Robinson
representative.
This helped me
OCEAN SHIPPING FREIGHT TRENDS TO WATCH: PORT STRIKES, WEATHER DISRUPTIONS, AND
CAPACITY SHIFTS
GENERAL UPDATES
PORT STRIKES
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime
Alliance (USMX) agreement, which covers most U.S. East Coast (USEC) and U.S.
Gulf Coast (USGC) ports—36 ports from Maine to Texas—ended on September 30,
2024. Negotiations for a new agreement target the upcoming six years. No new
agreement was reached by the deadline and ILA launched a strike on October 1,
2024.
If the conflict lasts longer than one week, ships currently underway will likely
have to leave the ports involved to unload containers in Canada or Mexico and
return to the port of origin to load more cargo. Shippers will be able to have
their goods recovered from Canadian and Mexican ports when the strike is over.
If the strike is only short-lived, each day of stoppage will undoubtedly cause a
week of congestion at each port to reduce queues and replenish stocks of empty
containers that can be used for export.
Sea-Intelligence forecasts the lingering impact of a strike as follows:
* 1 day strike: 5 days to clear backlog
* 1 week strike: Slowdowns until mid-November
* 2 week strike: Backlog wouldn’t clear until 2025
Some shippers have begun to re-route freight via the West Coast, creating
delays. The steamship lines have been announcing a shortage of railcars on the
coast, preventing a clean flow of equipment inland, which in turns leads to
containers getting stacked at the terminal, discouraging the standard
first-in-first-out pattern.
HURRICANE HELENE DISRUPTION
Additionally, Hurricane Helene has disrupted operations for Miami and the United
States Southeast corridor. It is a good time to recalculate lead times to
account for sporadic severe weather, which typically occurs until the end of
November.
SUEZ CANAL
Since December, 15, 2023, most maritime carriers have announced they will avoid
the Suez Canal following a sequence of attacks on container vessels launched
from a part of Yemen.
Most vessels now travel around the Cape of Good Hope, which adds, on average, 14
days to transit time. This longer transit route has a significant impact on
global shipping—not just on trade that moves via the Red Sea, but across all
global trade lanes.
Blank sailings and service changes may continue. It is estimated that 6–9% of
global capacity is absorbed by this alternative routing.
SHIPPING ALLIANCE UPDATES
The shipping industry is set for significant changes in 2025 with the
dissolution of the 2M Alliance between MSC and Maersk. MSC has reached a vessel
sharing arrangement with ZIM on the Trans-Pacific lane and with Premier Alliance
on the Asia–Europe lane.
Hapag is gearing up for a new alliance with Maersk in 2025, called the Gemini
Cooperation, and ending its cooperation with ACL and adjusting its port calls.
This new alliance aims to enhance schedule reliability through a hub-and-spoke
network, although its success will depend heavily on the effectiveness of their
transshipment program.
Meanwhile, the Ocean Alliance (ONE/Yang Ming Line/Hyundai Merchant Marine) has
extended its agreement until 2032, providing some stability amidst the upheaval.
ASIA
ASIA–EUROPE
Rates and capacity in this lane are driven by fluctuating demand and evolving
geopolitical landscapes. Air freight rates have stabilized after a period of
volatility, while ocean freight capacity is gradually increasing as new vessels
enter the market.
This has led to more competitive pricing and improved reliability for shippers.
Booking in advance and leveraging digital supply chain solutions remains the
surest path to enhanced visibility and efficiency.
ASIA–U.S.
The market is volatile as the end of peak season approaches, and East Coast
labor negotiations in the United States continue to keep the market tense.
Steamship lines are pushing to keep vessel fulfilment above allocations, as well
as building rolling pools of cargo to keep assets moving during the Golden Week
Holiday in China, when freight traditionally slows down.
However, vessels, equipment, port terminals, and rail capacity could be severely
affected by the potential strike on the East and Gulf Coast. October shipping
would then return to peak season conditions, instead of the typical slowing.
Port congestion in southeast Asia hub ports (Singapore/Port Klang/Tanjung
Pelepas) has improved, but port congestion is picking up in northern Asia ports
such as Shanghai and Ningbo.
EUROPE
Bookings are needed three weeks in advance as demand on the Trans-Atlantic
Westbound (TAWB) route increases with the approach of peak season. Ocean
carriers are reallocating larger vessels to more in-demand trade lanes,
resulting in more blank sailings, especially among Ocean Alliance carriers. This
decreased capacity and increased demand may cause carriers to implement general
rate increases (GRIs).
MEDITERRANEAN/INDIA
The shipping routes between the Mediterranean and India continue to adapt and
evolve. Carriers are optimizing their schedules and reallocating vessels to meet
the high demand, ensuring more reliable and efficient services. The introduction
of new direct services and strategic adjustments in port calls are helping
mitigate congestion and delays.
NORTH AMERICA
U.S.–ASIA
Demand for services via the U.S. West Coast (USWC) has surged due to extended
transit times through the Cape of Good Hope and the ILA port strike on the USEC
and USGC ports, with volumes increasing by 16–20% compared to 2023.
However, port congestion in Asia and at USWC and some USEC ports, like
Charleston, is causing schedule unreliability and blank sailings. Significant
delays of 14–21 days at major transshipment ports in Asia, such as Busan,
Shanghai, and Singapore, are exacerbated by carriers omitting port calls to
maintain schedule integrity.
Some carriers are switching transshipment hubs to ports in Malaysia, India, and
Sri Lanka, leading to congestion there as well. Typhoons Yagi and Bebinca have
caused extensive delays and damage in China and Vietnam, further impacting
schedules.
Meanwhile, MSC has reinstated its Liberty service from the USEC to Asia,
offering a unique direct call from Philadelphia to Asia.
U.S.–EUROPE
Ocean carriers are reallocating larger vessels from Europe to Asia, optimizing
capacity where demand is stronger. Hapag is gearing up for a new alliance with
Maersk in 2025, ending its cooperation with ACL and adjusting its port calls.
Despite tight space, alternative rail services via Houston are being offered.
Improved space from the USGC is also a positive sign, though congestion at key
Mediterranean and European ports remains a challenge.
However, ACL’s new faster service to Ireland promises quicker transit times, and
recent labor agreements in German ports are set to ease congestion. Remain
mindful of recent severe weather, which may limit port operations—specifically
in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
U.S.–LATAM
Significant delays and congestion at southern Brazil ports, like Navegantes and
Rio Grande, are causing blank sailings and port omissions, with heavy rains
hindering improvement efforts.
Carriers are diverting vessels to nearby ports, spreading congestion to Itapoa
and Paranagua. Despite these challenges, carriers are making strategic
adjustments. For example, CMA and Cosco are shifting their BRAZEX service to
Imbituba and MSC/Hapag/Maersk are extending their service suspension to
Navegantes and Salvador.
Additionally, the Amazon region faces low water levels, prompting carriers to
introduce surcharges, while hurricane season is expected to cause further
disruptions.
U.S.–SOUTH ASIA, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA (SAMA)
Cargo shipping continues to be impacted with market instability and low
capacity, while piracy risks in the Suez Canal have led carriers to divert
vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times.
Services to Red Sea ports are suspended or heavily surcharged, and congestion at
West Mediterranean hubs is significant. Limited service to Persian Gulf ports
and increased piracy off Somalia are further challenges, but carriers are
adapting by expanding transshipment hubs to ports like Abu Dhabi and Mundra.
Despite severe weather and congestion issues, new service configurations and
strategic adjustments are helping create a more resilient and dynamic shipping
environment.
U.S.–OCEANIA
Due to congestion in Charleston, NC, Hapag, MSC, and Maersk have shifted their
direct service to Savannah until November 2024. Despite softer demand in
Oceania, vessel space is tightening as peak season begins.
CMA and ANL have announced GRIs for September and October, while other carriers
have not yet followed suit.
Transshipment services via Asia into Oceania will primarily route through the
Panama Canal, with daily transits nearly back to normal. Additionally, Brown
Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season is in effect, requiring fumigation for
applicable cargo from North America.
CANADA
Labor negotiations are ongoing, with the Canada Industrial Relations Board
reviewing the ILWU Local 514’s proposal, and the Port of Montreal’s union
strike. Despite these challenges, ports like Vancouver and Prince Rupert are
making significant progress in clearing backlogs, with container dwell times
improving. Toronto and Saint John ports are operating efficiently with minimal
delays, while Halifax’s Fairview Cove terminal has seen a decrease in dwell
times.
SOUTH AMERICA
LATAM
Argentina’s Transport Cost Index saw a significant rise, reflecting ongoing
economic adjustments, while Uruguay’s economy is accelerating, highlighted by
the inauguration of the Capurro Port terminal.
Brazil is making strides with a substantial investment in transport
infrastructure, despite high costs from cargo damage.
Colombia has ended a truckers’ strike and is seeing growth in containerized
cargo movement.
Chile faces logistics challenges with new regulations, and Peru’s Chancay
Multipurpose Port Terminal is nearing completion, with projects promoting
integration between the Peruvian Amazon and Brazil.
This helped me
INTERNATIONAL AIR FREIGHT CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS AND RATE VOLATILITY ON CERTAIN
ROUTES
Most destinations outside of Asia are challenged when freighter aircraft is
required, just not to the extent that Latin America has been impacted. If your
cargo can fly on a passenger flight the market is relatively stable globally.
ASIA
Freight demand and yields out of Asia continue to incentivize airlines to
reposition capacity to that market, resulting in freighter capacity shortages
elsewhere.
During the China Golden Week, October 1–7, 2024, air freight cargo volumes from
China will soften, but are expected to rebound strongly afterward due
traditional peak season.
The drop from China will be offset by ongoing strong demand from southeast Asia.
More air charters are expected from ecommerce and general cargo rate (GCR)
shippers from the second half of October 2024.
The port strike in the United States, will lead to a spike in charter demand and
acute capacity shortages on scheduled flights, leading to a high rate increase.
Shipping freight via passenger flights is relatively stable globally.
EUROPE
Air shipping in Europe is dynamic, with strong demand and increasing capacity.
Key routes from Asia to Europe have seen a significant boost, with air cargo
capacity up 8% y/y. However, certain regions like northern Europe are facing
capacity constraints, particularly for low-value air exports from China and Hong
Kong.
This has led to a rise in spot rates, with prices from China to Europe climbing.
Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains positive, driven by robust
ecommerce demand and strategic shifts from sea to air freight.
Pricing considerations are crucial in this evolving landscape. The general air
cargo spot rate from Europe to the United States has increased, reflecting the
tight capacity and high demand. Conversely, rates from northern Europe to North
America have slightly decreased.
LATAM
Air freight demand in and out of LATAM is on a strong recovery path, mirroring
global air cargo trends. According to World ACD data, there is significant
growth across various routes, with North America to Central and South America up
21% and LATAM to EU up 13%. Despite capacity reductions and rate pressures, the
market dynamics suggest continued growth.
NORTH AMERICA
From a U.S. export perspective, the most impacted market at this point is to
Latin America. Because the Europe to Latin America lane has experienced
significant loss of freighter capacity, those shippers are instead flying into
the United States and transshipping via Miami. As a result, major backlogs exist
in Miami to all major Latin American destinations. Expect conditions to remain
this way through the end of the year.
OCEANIA
The region is experiencing a surge in demand driven by ecommerce and high-value
goods, like technology and pharmaceuticals. Australia and New Zealand are
showing smooth operations and stable capacity.
Fiji and Papua New Guinea are emerging as crucial hubs, though they face
occasional capacity constraints due to limited infrastructure. Smaller Pacific
Islands often struggle with low capacity or no capacity for direct air freight,
necessitating transshipment through larger hubs.
Pricing considerations are crucial in this dynamic market. Rates are on the rise
due to high demand and limited capacity, especially during peak season. Fuel
surcharges and geopolitical factors are also contributing to fluctuating costs.
This helped me
INTERMODAL & U.S. PORTS PORT STRIKES AND CONTAINER SCARCITY ON KEY LANES
INTERMODAL
PEAK SEASON
In early September, Union Pacific (UP) announced California intermodal markets
are constrained. Peak season surcharges were announced to match cost with high
demand. UP expects these surcharges to be needed through October. Once UP
implemented surcharges, major asset players also placed surcharges on their
equipment. Containers are still available in California and are still cost
effective when compared to truckload. Despite the surcharges, their availability
can add flexibility to shipping schedules.
One factor may extend peak season surcharges: The labor situation on the East
and Gulf coast ports. Depending on the length of time it takes to work through
backlogs caused by this disruption, West Coast ports could continue to see
increased demand for several weeks to come.
Volume growth has accelerated following Labor Day, increasing nearly 12% to the
busiest week since June 2021. Overall, the domestic U.S. intermodal market is up
9.5% year to date.
Mexico has been a bright spot for intermodal growth in 2024 with double digit
increases, keeping up with the last several years of double-digit growth y/y.
While the growth in Mexico is impressive, it represents a small part of the
overall North American market, which has ample capacity with an estimated 20–25%
of container supply stacked ready to deploy. As peak surge continues, those
containers are being unstacked and put back into regular rotation.
PRICING PROSPECTS
Expect increased pricing in the low, single-digit range for the last quarter of
2024 and through 2025 due to new U.S. railroads have labor agreements and
inflationary pressure. Rates have already begun to rise, so the best time to
lock in intermodal rates is now.
SERVICE METRICS
Intermodal service, as measured by train speeds, is tracking just below the
five-year average. Velocity in August fell due to seasonal trends and increased
volumes. This is typical since August is historically the slowest month for
train speed. Given the sharp spike in volume, trains have been operating well so
far.
With strong service and low pricing, contact your C.H. Robinson account team to
see how you can best take advantage of intermodal within your portfolio today.
RAIL
The blank sailing program on the Asia trade lane has intensified equipment
shortages at rail ramps, adding pressure to U.S./Canada exports. Delays in
import containers via the Cape of Good Hope have caused significant short-term
shortages of empty containers for exports. With rising demand on Trans-Pacific
Eastbound (TPEB) and Asia–Europe lanes, carriers are repositioning many
containers back to Asia, reducing availability in North America.
COSCO announced they are suspending acceptance of single 20 ft. dry van bookings
from U.S. rail ramps, effective immediately. This is due to issues with finding
20 ft. mates to get the 20 ft. containers moving. COSCO will accept 20 ft. dry
van bookings made in multiples of two-at-a-time.
LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH
Due the strong increased import volume through Los Angeles/Long Beach ports,
there are delays with rail. Particularly at off dock rail connections, which
require the use of a trucker and chassis to bring the containers into the port.
PORT OF MONTREAL
The Port of Montréal organized a three-day strike that began on September 30,
2024. Their organized stoppage is part of a broader wave of labor actions
underway on the United States East and Gulf Coasts. Dockworkers are stopping in
solidarity with their counterparts in the United States.
UNITED STATES EAST COAST PORTS
The ILA labor union’s contract for USEC and USGC ports expired on September 30,
2024. The union launched a strike on October 1, 2024, as a deal was not reached
by the expiration date.
Despite recent negotiation challenges and the coast-wide strike, the business
community is actively seeking government intervention to mediate a solution.
This is the first labor disruption on the USEC and USGC since 1977.
VANCOUVER AND PRINCE RUPERT PORTS
Negotiations with a smaller union of foremen in Vancouver and Prince Rupert are
ongoing with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). The
main sticking point in the current negotiations seems to involve semi-automated
cranes operating at the DP World terminal in Vancouver.
The BCMEA has filed a complaint with the CIRB to request government intervention
and mediation. The CIRB scheduled hearings took place August 6–9, 2024. The CIRB
then reported they needed to hold additional hearings, which were scheduled for
September.
The union intends to take a strike vote and be ready for further strike action,
pending the results of the CIRB hearings.
This helped me
DRAYAGE INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND LABOR SHORTAGES IN THE UNITED STATES
BOX RULES INVESTIGATION
In February, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) ruled that truckers do not
have to use a specific pool provider, which allowed draymen to use their
preferred chassis provider to move containers. However, after continued reports
of chassis providers violating the ruling, the FMC has decided to investigate
further. This could result in chassis availability challenges, notably in
Chicago and Memphis, and to a lesser extent, at the ports of Los Angeles and
Long Beach.
NORTH AMERICA
With the widespread strike impacting the USEC and USGC ports, be aware that
operational contingency plans will be available in our Client Advisories as news
breaks.
SOUTHEAST
CHARLESTON
Charleston port is experiencing moderate congestion due to ongoing
infrastructure upgrades. Currently, 5–7 vessels are waiting to secure a berth,
with an average wait time of six days for vessel discharge.
NORFOLK
Norfolk port continues to face challenges with its strict appointment system and
limited slots. Capacity constraints and increased wait times persist,
necessitating proper carrier onboarding and lead times to ensure reliable on
time delivery.
SAVANNAH
Import dwell time at Savannah port is three and a half days, with vessel berth
waiting times up to one and a half days, depending on vessel size. The port is
managing congestion effectively with minimal delays.
NORTHEAST
NEW YORK
The Port of New York and New Jersey is experiencing significant congestion due
to high cargo volumes and labor shortages. Vessels are waiting up to 10 days for
a berth and import dwell times have increased to five days.
BOSTON
Boston port is operating smoothly with no significant congestion. Vessel berth
waiting times are minimal, averaging less than a day, and import dwell times are
around two days.
CENTRAL/OHIO VALLEY
Inland rail terminals across the country are operating normally with plenty of
capacity and equipment to support volumes.
WEST
HOUSTON
Houston port is facing moderate congestion due to increased cargo volumes and
ongoing terminal expansions. Vessels are waiting up to four days for a berth and
import dwell times are around three days.
LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are dealing with significant congestion
due to high import volumes and labor shortages. Vessels are waiting up to 12
days for a berth and import dwell times have increased to six days.
OAKLAND
Oakland port is experiencing moderate congestion with vessels waiting up to five
days for a berth. Import dwell times are around four days, with ongoing efforts
to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
This helped me
NORTH AMERICAN CROSS-BORDER, CANADA & MEXICO MEXICO AND CANADA FREIGHT MARKETS
FACE VOLATILITY AMID ECONOMIC SHIFTS
U.S.–MEXICO
The freight market in Mexico is closely intertwined with the country's
industrial activity, particularly in the automotive sector, which plays a
pivotal role in Mexico's economy and represents 21% of Mexico´s manufacturing
GDP.
MANUFACTURING GROWTH SLOWING IN KEY REGIONS WITH OVERALL ECONOMY GROWING SOME
Recent reports indicate some key regions experienced a deceleration in
manufacturing growth, with overall industrial activity remaining below 2023
levels. The north experienced a 2.6% decline in the second quarter of 2024.
Meanwhile, central Mexico experienced modest manufacturing growth. The Mexican
economy grew 1.1% annually in July and August 2024, continuing the slow pace
seen in previous months. Analysts expect the third quarter GDP to rise by 0.8%
annually, continuing with the deceleration mentioned above.
FACTORS INFLUENCING 2025 PROJECTIONS
Public and private construction also slowed, particularly due to a drop in
public investment at the end of President Lopez Obrador´s term. Inflation has
slowed a bit in September, down from 5.57% in July to 4.66%, but use this number
with caution.
Analysts’ projections for 2025 suggest continued sluggishness due to political
uncertainty and lower investment and consumption. While investment announcements
keep happening, some have yet to actually come to fruition and are still pending
execution until the new government enters office.
The Bank of Mexico predicts moderate industrial activity in the near term as
Mexico faces a challenging environment impacting production levels and freight
volumes. The automotive industry, which relies heavily on cross-border
logistics, is particularly affected.
OPTIMISM IN NEARSHORING
The continuing nearshoring trend offers hope, especially in northern Mexico.
According to a recent survey, 16.9% of large companies in the region reported
increased production, sales, or investment due to the relocation efforts.
Mexico's manufacturing exports saw an annual growth of 6.2% in the first half of
2024, while the Mexican Customs Authority (ANAM) reported a 3.6% increase in
international trade operations.
Automotive exports rose by 17%, providing a boost to the freight market in areas
with strong infrastructure and proximity to the United States. However, less
developed regions, such as the South, struggle to capitalize on these
opportunities. Federal government projects, like the Isthmus of Tehuantepec
project, aim to address these gaps, though their impact will take time to
materialize.
Nearshoring has also led to the rise of new industrial corridors in Mexico, such
as Monterrey and Tijuana. Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juárez still account
for 60.5% of international trade operations on the northern border. While cities
such as Mexicali, Saltillo, and San Luis Río Colorado are now emerging as
important industrial centers, industrial space in Mexico is increasingly scarce,
with availability below 2%.
VOLATILE AUTOMOTIVE FREIGHT VOLUMES
Due to recent volatility, especially within the automotive sector, carriers have
shown a renewed willingness to accept lower rates in exchange for steady freight
volumes. The prioritization of volume over profit stems from rising operating
costs, security issues, and disruptions caused by serious weather events like
Hurricanes Helene and John.
U.S.–CANADA
In August, the Canadian market experienced a surge in freight activity,
primarily due to the rail strike. Now that the strike is over and rails have
fully resumed activity, the backlogs created have been cleared and spot market
activity has settled to their previous levels.
Currently, there is an imbalanced market with weak northbound freight volumes
from the United States delivering to Canada. Due to this softness, carriers are
reluctant to take freight southbound from Canada into the United States. This
has resulted in increased rates to cover the costs of anticipated deadhead.
A continuing trend in the market is the steady exit of carriers, largely due to
the heavy strain of loan repayments during the ongoing freight recession. Many
carriers misjudged the recession’s length and have been overwhelmed by the dual
pressures of loan obligations and increasing insurance costs. While the Bank of
Canada has started cutting interest rates, the impact has been slow to take
effect. With no clear end to the freight recession in sight, many carriers are
either unable or unwilling to hold out for relief.
Like the broader market, bid season is in full swing for intra-Canada and
cross-border freight. Due to the current market conditions and carrier supply
situation, quarterly pricing to finish the year is expected to remain
competitive.
As 2025 approaches, expect pricing trends for Canada-related shipping to be like
that of the U.S. forecast found in the North America Truckload Trends &
Forecasts section. There will be some differentiation with regions and
timeframes due to seasonality and geographic perspectives, so reach out to your
C.H. Robinson representative for more specific information.
This helped me
CUSTOMS CTPAT BENEFITS, USDA ENFORCEMENTS, AND UPCOMING WEBINARS
CTPAT PARTICIPANTS ELIGIBLE FOR FTZ BENEFITS
Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a new benefit for
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Trade Compliance partners.
Having met the requirements outlined, CTPAT Trade Compliance partners are now
eligible to utilize a foreign trade zone (FTZ) for the storage of goods subject
to forced labor enforcement action. This notice outlines the specific
requirements to participate.
USDA NATIONAL ORGANICS PROGRAM IMPORT CERTIFICATE ENFORCEMENT
Effective September 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National
Organics Program requires all importers be certified organic and a valid NOP
Import Certificate (NOP-IC) be issued for the organic goods being imported. The
USDA also advised specific conditional codes that can be used for American
Certified Organic goods returned, non-retail sales/donations, personal
goods/ecommerce, and reconditioning.
The agency said in their notice, “If a valid NOP-IC is not available at time of
filing, the shipment must be reconditioned at an offsite location to a
conventional (non-organic) status, including relabeling and reinvoicing. The
product must be completely devoid of all organic markings and the “Goods Subject
to Reconditioning” code must be used.”
APHIS LACEY ACT PHASE VII IMPLEMENTATION WEBINAR ANNOUNCED
Lacey Act Phase VII is a provision that covers most categories of wood products
that do not currently require filing. Recently, the U.S. Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) announced they are hosting a webinar on the
implementation of APHIS Lacey Act Phase VII implementation requirements as of
December 1, 2024. The webinar is on October 30, 2024, from 2:00–3:00 pm ET.
Register on their website to participate in the webinar.
Additionally, there is Lacey Act training available for importers, shippers, and
interested parties through December 1, 2024, from the International Wood
Products Association (IWPA). Register for free on the IWPA website.
Visit our Trade & Tariff Insights page for the latest news, insights,
perspectives, and resources from our customs and trade policy experts.
This helped me
GOVERNMENT & REGULATIONS FMCSA SEEKS MORE INDUSTRY INPUT ON CARRIER AND BROKER
REGISTRATION
UNITED STATES
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will host its third
listening session regarding the modernization of their registration process for
both motor carriers and freight brokers. Their focus will be on improving safety
and combating fraud. This is a continuation of their ongoing proposed
registration updates project.
The FMCSA has opened this call to all industry parties, but there is a limit to
the total number of participants. To find out more about this event or to
register, visit the FMCSA web page for Registration Modernization Stakeholder
Day III.
This helped me
DIESEL FUEL U.S. DIESEL PRICES CONTINUE TO DROP
Retail diesel's national U.S. average price per gallon of $3.56 in September is
down from $3.70 in August, and much lower than the $4.56 average from September
2023. As mentioned in the August 2024 Freight Market Update, in a soft market
carriers often will need to deadhead longer mileage to find a load. While fuel
is largely considered a pass-through accessorial, deadhead is often a sunken
cost for carriers, especially in soft markets.
This continuing decrease in diesel pricing is another alleviating factor
contributing to the persistence of smaller carriers, as the extra deadhead isn’t
necessarily equating to further sunken costs. If diesel prices increase, it
would add more strain to carriers and speed up carrier attrition from the
market.
The visual below, created with data provided by the EIA, shows fuel is down year
to date (YTD), currently at the lowest level since early 2022.
This helped me
RECENT MARKET UPDATES
* Freight Market Update: October 2024
* Robinson Roundup: September 19, 2024
* Freight Market Update: September 2024
* Robinson Roundup: August 15, 2024
View all
EXPLORE ALL FREIGHT MARKET UPDATES
* Freight Market Updates
* North American Trade & Tariff Updates
* Client Advisories
GET THE LATEST MARKET UPDATES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Thank you for signing up for North American Freight updates from C.H. Robinson.
Read our global privacy notice.
*
Email
*
Country
Select...United StatesAfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican
SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntigua and
BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBosnia
and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsBrunei
DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman
IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaColombiaComorosCongoCook
IslandsCosta RicaCote d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech
RepublicDenmarkDjiboutiDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial
GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Federated States of
MicronesiaFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern
TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuinea-BissauGuineaGuyanaHaitiHoly
See (Vatican City State)HondurasHong
KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIraqIrelandIslamic Republic of
IranIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakstanKenyaKiribatiKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao
People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyan Arab
JamahiriyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMacedoniaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall
IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmar
(Burma)NamibiaNauruNepalNetherlands AntillesNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew
ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNigerNiueNorfolk IslandNorthern Mariana
IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPanamaPapua New
GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRepublic of
MoldovaReunionRomaniaRwandaSaint HelenaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint
Vincent And The GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi
ArabiaSenegalSerbia and MontenegroSerbiaSeychellesSierra
LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Korea
(Republic of Korea)SpainSri
LankaSudanSurinameSvalbardSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyrian Arab
RepublicTaiwanTajikistanThailandThe former Yugoslav Republic of
MacedoniaTimor-LesteTogoTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks
and Caicos IslandsTuvaluU.S. Virgin IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab
EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited Republic of
TanzaniaUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamWallis and FutunaWestern
SaharaYemenZaireZambiaZimbabwe
I agree to C.H. Robinson keeping me informed with personalized information and
other marketing content that support my business needs. I may opt-out of C.H.
Robinson marketing emails at any time by using the manage preferences link
within each email. Read our global privacy notice.
Subscribe
14701 Charlson Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55347-5076
Contact global headquarters
FEATURED LINKS
* Find an Office
* Carrier Payment Services
* Careers
* Pay your invoice online
* The C.H. Robinson blog
Follow us on social media
Site Map | Global Privacy Notice | Your Privacy Rights | Terms of Use |
Investors | Cookie-Präferenzen
© 1996-2024 C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Diese Website verwendet Cookies und ähnliche Technologien für den
Websitebetrieb, Analysen und Werbezwecke Dritter, wie in unserem
beschrieben. Global Data Privacy Notice. Sie können unserer Nutzung dieser
Technologien zustimmen, nicht wesentliche Technologien ablehnen oder Ihre
Präferenzen weiter verwalten.
Einstellungen verwalten Akzeptieren Alle Ablehnen