The Freight Industry's Essential News Roundup: March 2026
The Cass Freight Index reports a 10.4% month‑over‑month rise in for‑hire shipments in February, while Class 8 truck orders surged 159% year‑over‑year to 47,200 units. Diesel prices jumped to $4.86 per gallon, adding roughly 14 cents per mile to operating costs, and major carriers posted steep Q4 2025 earnings declines. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association launched a Freight Fraud Prevention Hub and SCAC Verified to combat growing freight fraud, as cargo theft is forecast to rise 13% YoY. Together, these trends point to a supply‑driven rate recovery amid tightening capacity and heightened security concerns.
News in Freight: Demand Grows, M&A Heats Up, Phishers Target Carriers
U.S. freight demand is rising even as January shipments fell, with the Cass Freight Index showing a 7.1% YoY drop in shipments but a 1.7% MoM rise in the Truckload Index. Rates climbed 3.2% year‑over‑year, and analysts expect tighter capacity...
