Freight shipments stabilized in April as capability constraints pushed charges to current highs, in line with month-to-month knowledge from Cass Info Techniques.
The shipments part of the Cass Freight Index was down 4.4% yr over yr however elevated 0.4% from March (up 0.6% seasonally adjusted). That was a 3rd straight sequential improve in volumes, and “an encouraging sign for a possible second-half restoration,” the Thursday report stated.
Regular seasonal tendencies shifting ahead would end in a 1.7% y/y improve within the shipments index throughout the again half of the yr. The dataset is predicted to say no simply 1% y/y in Might.
A two-year-stacked decline of seven.9% was tied for the smallest over the previous yr.
| April 2026 | y/y | 2-year | m/m | m/m (SA) |
| Shipments | -4.4% | -7.9% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Expenditures | 3.5% | 4.8% | 2.6% | 1.2% |
| TL Linehaul Index | 5.6% | 6.5% | 3.2% | NM |
At an investor convention held this week, J.B. Hunt (NASDAQ: JBHT) reported that shipper demand exceeded expectations all through the primary quarter and has remained regular since. It sees a path to lift truckload charges materially over the following two years.
“LTL tonnage tendencies are enhancing for some fleets, which bodes effectively for continued enchancment in cargo tendencies within the coming months,” the Cass report stated. “Tightness within the dry van TL market is beginning to radiate to different modes, up to now primarily reefer and flatbed TL, however finally this tightness will drive demand in LTL and intermodal as effectively.”
Cass’ (NASDAQ: CASS) expenditures index, which measures whole freight spend together with gas, was up 3.5% y/y and a pair of.6% greater than March (1.2% greater seasonally adjusted). Larger diesel costs and core freight charges have been the drivers of the rise.
Cass’ TL linehaul index , which tracks charges excluding gas and accessorial surcharges, surged 5.6% y/y, registering the biggest y/y improve since August 2022. The dataset was 3.2% greater sequentially, which was the most important bounce since March 2022. Nevertheless, the index was mainly flat sequentially in February and March.
The dataset, which incorporates for-hire spot and contract charges, has been up y/y in 16 straight months.
The report concluded that the freight cycle is being led by the availability aspect as noncompliant drivers are being compelled out of service. It cautioned that “greater gas costs sapping client spending, and rising rates of interest sapping the housing market” are weighing on demand, which can be required in some unspecified time in the future to hold the restoration.
“New FMCSA rules have acted as a catalyst, and appear more likely to end in tighter capability and better charges from right here,” the report stated.
Knowledge used within the indexes comes from freight payments paid by Cass, a supplier of cost administration options. Cass processes $37 billion in freight payables yearly on behalf of consumers.
Extra BigRig articles by Todd Maiden:
- J.B. Hunt sees TL charges climbing 20% over subsequent 2 years
- FedEx board approves spinoff of LTL unit
- Hub Group’s accounting error causes additional reporting delays
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