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Parcel surcharge changes wring out additional revenue, LTL and truckload rates hold steady
Out-of-cycle parcel pricing actions drive greater yields, while rates in truckload and LTL stay flat as carriers hang on for freight cycle fundamentals to improve
ATLANTA (April 9, 2024) – AFS Logistics, an industry-leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, and TD Cowen announce the second quarter (Q2) 2024 release of the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index, a snapshot with predictive pricing for truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL) and parcel transportation markets. The latest release of the index expects LTL and truckload rates to remain steady, consistent with trends established since Q2 of last year. In parcel, the index shows the effect of fuel surcharge increases and other accessorial changes to drive net rate growth in Q1 and Q2 2024, despite limited overall demand.
“While truckload and LTL markets are largely a continuation of established trends, parcel carriers have unleashed a wave of key pricing changes to raise revenue,” says Tom Nightingale, CEO of AFS. “After significant discounting to compete for falling package volumes last year, UPS and FedEx have deployed accessorial charges as more covert tools to increase yields, with changes to fuel, demand and delivery area surcharges targeted to boost revenue.”
Parcel: Discounting cools, off-cycle “GRI-style” pricing changes to boost revenue
As the parcel market continues to face sagging demand, both FedEx and UPS are prioritizing network improvement, cost reduction and targeted revenue generation through pricing changes. Carriers typically communicate updates to fuel and other accessorial charges as part of annual general rate increase (GRI) announcements, but in recent months, carriers have made several out-of-cycle changes. Since the 2024 GRI announcements, UPS and FedEx have increased fuel surcharges three times, boosted demand surcharges and expanded the delivery area surcharge (DAS) to more ZIP codes. With the addition of 82 ZIP codes clustered in urban centers that impact a full 1% of the U.S. population, the total number of ZIP codes subject to the DAS and considered “difficult or costly to access” by the carriers now represents more than half of all ZIP codes in the U.S.
The ground parcel fuel surcharge is based on the U.S. on-highway diesel fuel index, and express is based on the U.S. Gulf Coast kerosene-type jet fuel. As of March 2024, the jet fuel index is up 40% since 2021, but during the same period, the express fuel surcharge for both carriers is up over 100% for both carriers. A similar discrepancy exists for ground, with the diesel index up 22% since 2021, but the ground fuel surcharge for both carriers is up over 75%.
In express parcel, the effect of the GRI, fuel surcharge adjustments, a shift to more premium services and higher average billed weight more than offset carrier discounting to drive a significant net increase in cost per package in Q1 2024, jumping from 0.9% above the January 2018 baseline in Q4 2023 to 3.9% in Q1 2024. The index projects a slight increase to 4.1% in Q2 2024, in line with the “competitive but rational” parcel market described on the March FedEx earnings call, and an indication of carriers’ desires to move away from the significant discounting they had previously used in the fight for market share.
Ground parcel rate per package also saw a significant jump in Q1 2024, up from 23.8% in Q4 2023 to 28.8% in Q1 2024. Increased fuel surcharge and higher average billed weight fueled growth, and average discount remained flat after significant increases in previous quarters. In Q2 2024, the ground rate per package index is expected to reach 29.3%, nearing the index’s historic high set in Q1 2023 and reversing the trend of three consecutive quarterly year-over-year (YoY) declines.
Truckload: Rates remain low, but stable
In Q1 2024, the truckload rate per mile index fell slightly, from 5.2% above the January 2018 baseline in Q4 2023 to 4.9%. Cost per shipment continued to slide in Q1 2024, down 16.7% YoY and 2.0% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) – consistent with established trends as a greater share of short haul shipments pushed down average linehaul cost. In the coming months, rate per mile is expected to continue bouncing along the floor established in Q2 2023, with the index projected as 4.8% for Q2 2024 – a slight quarterly decline, but the first YoY increase since Q3 2022.
LTL: Carrier discipline runs up against soft demand
In Q2 2024, the index projects LTL rates will remain at the escalated levels upheld since the Yellow collapse in Q3 of 2023, at 59.4%; above the January 2018 baseline and a 2.4% YoY increase. This expectation represents a modest 0.4% increase from Q1 2024, driven in part by anticipated higher fuel surcharges due to global crude oil production cuts. In Q1 2024, the LTL rate per pound index precisely matched the expectation set out in the last release of the index, declining slightly, from 61.3% above the January 2018 baseline in Q4 2023 to 58.9%. Data indicated downward trends for both weight and distance, with weight per shipment down 4.6% YoY and average length of haul down 7.6% QoQ.
About the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index
The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index launched in October 2021, offering a unique perspective on the transportation market through its dataset and forward-looking view. Expected rate levels are derived from visibility to over $39 billion of annual transportation spend across all modes and includes actual net charges that factor in accessorials such as fuel surcharges. Past performance and machine learning produce predictions for the remainder of the quarter, set against a baseline of 2018 rates for each mode.
Des Plaines , Illinois – NOBLELIFT North America, a global leader in Lithium-iron technology and a manufacturer of a comprehensive range of high-performance, low-maintenance manual, electric, and internal combustion material handling equipment, hosted its 2024 Dealer Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, just miles from their Illinois headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Over ninety participated in this year’s bi-annual dealer meeting which lasted two days. Day one of the program included presentations and training on various subjects such as NOBLELIFT new products, NOBLELIFT lithium-iron technology, future plans, leasing/financing, marketing, aftersales tech support, parts, extended warranties, quoting software, and more. The dealers welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the company, share their feedback and ideas, and network with other dealers.
Day two was an opportunity for dealers to tour the NOBLELIFT North America headquarters and warehouse. They were able to demo equipment, see the newest models, including the new lithium-iron scissor lifts, meet team members and ask questions. The Des Plaines headquarters is strategically located less than 4 miles from Chicago O’Hare airport.
ATLANTA (Oct. 8, 2024) – Randa Apparel & Accessories (RAA), one of the world's leading fashion apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, today announced a strategic partnership with FORTNA, the leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, to modernize their recently acquired Dallas-Fort Worth 625,000 square foot warehouse. This collaboration aims to modernize the facility to meet contemporary demands, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
RAA, known for its portfolio of over 40 licensed brands and the recent acquisition of the Haggar brand, acquired the Dallas-Fort Worth facility as part of the deal. Faced with the decision to either move out of or upgrade the facility, RAA engaged with FORTNA to develop a comprehensive solution to keep operations local while addressing real estate constraints.
"Providing configurability is paramount in today's environment," said Ron Egan, FORTNA Vice President, North America. "Whether it’s a brownfield or greenfield project, FORTNA is equipped to support customers at any stage of their warehousing journey. In RAA's case, we optimized the design of their current facility and delivered a customized brownfield solution—demonstrating FORTNA’s flexibility and commitment to meeting customer needs."
FORTNA's retrofitted brownfield design includes automated material flows and sortation systems for both inbound and outbound processes. The project will update nearly all material handling equipment in the facility and will implement the FORTNA warehouse control system solution (FORTNA WCS™) over the next two years.
FORTNA WCS™ will aid RAA in their distribution process by providing a single point of control and visibility within the warehouse. This centralized access point allows the RAA team to efficiently monitor and troubleshoot material handling equipment, ensuring smooth operations across their facilities. The system's ability to manage facility flow and maintain uptime further reduces the risks typically associated with integration and implementation, granting empowerment to operations and maintenance teams.
"Automation is the key to unlocking the most out of the human workforce," Egan added. "By automating routine warehouse tasks, we're able to level up efficiency and labor effectiveness for RAA."
The reliable and scalable architecture of FORTNA WCS™, which is hardware agnostic, offers RAA realtime control over their material handling equipment (MHE) systems. This flexibility ensures that RAA can adapt and scale their operations as needed without encountering compatibility issues.
The user-friendly warehouse control system interface enables RAA's team to handle system management from a centralized touch screen effortlessly, streamlining their workflow and enhancing operational efficiency. Through these key features, FORTNA WCS™ positions RAA to implement their systems with greater confidence and effectiveness, ultimately optimizing their operational performance.
FORTNA projects that RAA will realize a 25% labor savings and increased operational productivity through this partnership, allowing the facility to remain viable as business grows for the foreseeable future.
FORTNA Inc. 1349 W Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1300, Atlanta, GA 30309
About FORTNA
FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. Visit https://www.fortna.com/.
About Randa Apparel & Accessories
Randa Apparel & Accessories (RAA) is a global powerhouse with over 100 years of expertise. One of the world’s leading apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, RAA operates a portfolio of 30+ brands across all distribution channels. More information is available at https://randa.net.
Chicago, IL, October 1, 2024 - Hub International Limited (HUB), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, announced today an exclusive referral and broker program partnership throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico with MAS Seguros, the largest trucking insurance broker in Mexico. The partnership is a response to Mexico’s growing influence in the global economy and a reflection of HUB’s and MAS Seguros’ commitment to expanding its capabilities to better serve clients doing business throughout North America.
Due to changing global political relationships and policies*, there has been a significant move for manufacturing operations to Mexico, which comes with increased risk and insurance challenges when transporting goods cross-border. Organizations face regulatory compliance issues, crime, product damage, catastrophic weather events and accidents. Additionally, more transportation firms from Mexico are moving to the U.S. As a result, there is an emerging transportation and logistics need to manage risk and insure freight, property and assets while transporting goods into Mexico for manufacturing and then back to the U.S. and Canada.
“The changing landscape of Mexico’s economy, modernization of trade agreements and the growing trend of companies nearshoring production closer to North American markets have fueled an increased demand for on-the-ground guidance and a seamless cross-border insurance, risk and compliance supply chain solution,” said Lisa R. Paul, CPCU, Chief Strategy Officer, Transportation Specialty Practice at HUB International.
Both organizations’ clients will have access to best-in-class capabilities through an established network of insurance, risk and claims professionals as well as referrals to legal professionals in all three countries. They will also have access to an integrated, user-friendly digital interface to manage their telematics data and transportation operations through HUB’s proprietary technology platform, HUB Drive Online. The seamless cross-border solution is for any product transported across North American borders by air, sea, truck or rail.
Headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico, MAS Seguros has more than 30 years of experience in heavy trucks and provides risk advisory to clients by offering insurance products, coverage programs and best-in-class services from underwriting to claims management. With 26 locations across Mexico, they serve more than 4,500 clients with over 65,000 insured units.
“Partnering with HUB is a game-changer for our operations as it helps expand our reach beyond Mexico and offer a truly North American solution,” said Alejandro Rentería, Managing Partner and Co-CEO of MAS Seguros. “By combining our deep knowledge of the Mexican market with HUB's extensive network, expertise, and technology platform, we are well-positioned to deliver seamless cross-border insurance and risk management solutions to our clients. We look forward to working with HUB, which will make us stronger and more competitive to face the growing need for trusted advisors as complexity grows in the manufacturing and transportation industries.”
For more information on the HUB Transportation Specialty Practice, click here.
About Hub International
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 18,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, visit Hub Media Center.
Charlotte NC, September 23, 2024 (McLeod User Conference ) – HOPTEK, a global leader in AI-driven trucking and fleet transportation solutions, has been selected by Xtreme Trucking of Wisconsin, one of the U.S.’s leading technology-first transportation and logistics providers, for its Dispatch Engine® solution, a digital platform providing instant visibility and access to the spot load market, while matching available carrier capacity across thousands of possible options. HOPTEK’s “digital twin” will provide real-time visibility and enable Xtreme to boost operational efficiency and fleet utilization, while reducing driver turnover and deadhead miles, resulting in material cost savings and profitability.
Started as a small independent operation in 2006, Xtreme Trucking was formally established in 2009 to become a quality diversified transportation provider, with a growing revenue profile and extensive coverage across the United States. Through HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine®, Xtreme has leveraged real-time data visibility and dynamic decision-making to drive operational velocity to achieve up to a 20% increase in both Revenue per Hour and Weekly Revenue Miles per Driver – a clear competitive advantage.
Travis Nelson, President and Founder of Xtreme Trucking said: “Between supply chain complications, market shifts, and driver shortages, the past several years have been a rollercoaster ride for our industry. Selecting HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine solution addresses several seemingly intractable challenges, enabling us to optimize fleet utilization, increase driver satisfaction, and reduce deadhead empty miles. HOPTEK’s robust visibility platform enables us to make the best available decision, even as fleets remain dynamic, and routing and load scenarios shift constantly. We at Xtreme immediately recognized the value of HOPTEK’s strategic offering to our operation and how it would support the achievement of our goals.”
Transportation and logistics are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Xtreme fuels that economic growth by delivering best-in-class operations, innovative technology solutions, and a talented workforce. The company was seeking a solution that would address very specific issues related to driver miles, route efficiency, and utilization in one platform. Achieving these goals required a unique set of capabilities. HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine® solution closes these gaps by creating dispatchable recommendations that consider the entire fleet, at any given moment. It gets critical information to dispatchers, planners, drivers, and other stakeholders in near real-time, supercharging efficiencies and profitability.
Balaji Guntur, CEO and Co-founder of HOPTEK said: “We’re excited and honored to have been selected as a long-term partner to Xtreme Trucking. Their keen eye for innovative technologies and solutions that genuinely add measurable value attests to why the industry will view Xtreme as a trend setter and leader in small to mid-size fleet tech adoption. We believe they have selected a solution that will enable them to achieve their technology goals, while at the same time supporting their efficiency mindset and profitability targets.”
About Xtreme
Xtreme Trucking LLC delivers superior reefer transportation and dedicated services across the United States. With a leading view on technology and a modern truck and trailer fleet, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe, and exceptional service. Moreover, Xtreme strives for leading on-time delivery and customer service, and as a technologically minded fleet, and remains deeply committed to promoting both customer and driver satisfaction. To find out how Xtreme Trucking Delivers, please visit: https://www.xtremetrucking.com/
About HOPTEK
HOPTEK was founded in 2021 when global strategy and management consultancy Kearney brought its transportation and tech expertise together to help transform the trucking industry. After HOPTEK’s AI-powered system helped a leading U.S. fleet solve major operational challenges and drastically boost their performance, the company opened that technology to fleets across the U.S. With transformational technology tools such as Fleet Scanner®, Freight Finder®, and Dispatch Engine®, trucking and logistics companies can actively analyze fleet performance, identify and reduce wasteful wait times, and optimize dispatching in responsive real-time. For more information, please visit: https://www.HOPTEK.ai/
About Kearney
Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been the trusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through. For more information, please visit: https://www.kearney.com/
Fort Worth, TX – September 10, 2024 – EP North America, a fast-growing, lithium-ion focusedmaterial handling equipment provider offering innovative and competitive options to the market, today debuted two new forklifts. The CPD45F8/50F8 and EFLA251 help warehouse and DC managers provide powerful lithium-ion solutions that will upgrade any fleet of diesel and LPG warehouse vehicles and are available today via EP North America’s dealer network.
“EP North America continues to expand its portfolio to solve a wider range of material handling applications, leveraging our unparalleled strength in lithium-powered solutions,” said Jason Bratton, general manager, EP North America. “Whether leading occasional or multi-shift operations, these lithium-ion powered solutions provide exceptional value, quality and dependability that we believe our dealer network and their customers have been looking for.”
The CPD45F8/50F8 is an IPX4 Rated, pneumatic forklift designed for outdoor use to suit applications up to 10,000 lbs. The CPD45F8/50F8 utilizes an integrated EP Energy 80V lithium-ion battery, requiring zero maintenance and eliminating ongoing fuel costsassociated with diesel/LPG units. By removing the internal combustion engine, it reduces fatigue by eliminating vibration, heat, noise and exhaust, which creates a more comfortable and productive work environment.
EFLA251 is a Class I forklift engineered to provide a direct alternative in both utilization and cost to Class IV LP equivalent. Featuring a lifting capacity of 5,000 lbs., the EFLA251 is powered by an EP Energy 80V Lithium-ion battery with onboard charging as a standard feature and is capable of empty-to-full in just over two hours, eliminating all dependencies on LPG.
EP controls cost and supply through a vertical integration strategy that ensures readily available stock and consistently short lead times on factory orders. EP has loaded dedicated demo units to its fleet to make available through the remainder of 2024, supporting its efforts in driving conversion adoption from IC to E.
About EP North America
EP North America is leading the IC to E movement in North America, offering a range of material handling solutions from lithium-ion Class 1 forklifts to lithium battery solutions, stackers, pallet jacks and task support vehicles. For more information, visit epforklifts.com or follow us on social media.