December shipments hit a cycle low, while truckload rates rose, per Cass Information Systems. Multimodal shipments index dropped 7.5% y/y in December, with a 13.5% two-year decline. Expenditures fell 0.6% y/y. The TL linehaul index rose 1% m/m. Weather disrupted volumes, but mild January weather may boost volumes above normal season trends.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services noted a tightening market since Thanksgiving, with no 2026 outlook due to market volatility. Cass reported a decline in freight spend, stable rates, and winter weather affecting rates. Public carriers cited driver regulations for market shifts. Cass predicts a potential freight demand increase post-Issues.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Cass TL Linehaul Index climbs amid shipment decline