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Global markets seeing impacts beyond typical seasonality
Published: Thursday, May 07, 2026 | 09:00 AM CDT
North America truckload shipping
May means a period of intense volatility for truckload shipping as Mother's Day, Roadcheck Week, and produce season converge. With capacity already tight, these overlapping events are expected to drive up rates and increase service risk into early summer.
See what it takes to manage stacked disruptions and rising execution riskNorth America LTL shipping
LTL shipping demand edged up from early-year lows seen in Q1 2026, with carriers reporting stronger shipment trends, firm pricing discipline, and ongoing network investment. While improvement is gradual, optimism builds for further gains in the months ahead.
See what disciplined pricing means for the LTL marketOcean freight
Ocean freight conditions in May remain broadly stable, but service adjustments, blank sailings, southeast Asia hub congestion, and Middle East vessel displacement are reshaping carrier networks across major trade lanes and influencing departure timing reliability.
Review sailing alignment shifts and routing considerationsAir freight
Air freight conditions remain corridor dependent. Fuel surcharges continue shaping Asia‒Europe rate levels, while longer Trans-Atlantic routings are beginning to affect aircraft utilization. Incremental belly capacity growth is emerging unevenly by gateway pair.
Explore air freight shifts and planning guidance for MayIntermodal
Intermodal freight is gaining momentum as high diesel prices, new regulations, and truckload capacity constraints push shippers toward rail. Learn how these trends are shaping 2026 strategies and which regions are leading the modal shift.
See what changes are fueling intermodal growthPorts & drayage
Conditions in May remain stable overall but uneven by gateway. Clustered vessel arrivals, Chicago ramp variability, chassis split signals, and seasonal Canadian rail constraints are influencing inland timing and execution reliability.
Review port and drayage execution watchpoints for the month aheadCanada, Mexico & cross-border
Mexico’s manufacturing boom is reshaping cross-border freight, with exports accelerating and capacity squeezed by tighter driver enforcement and rising costs. Ongoing fuel price increases make market dynamics more complex than ever.
Dive into our cross-border freight insights for the latest opportunities and challengesTrade policy & customs
Importers scramble for tariff refunds, while a temporary 10% Section 122 tariff replaces overturned rates. Section 301 hearings could quickly reshape tariffs and impact country-specific trade deals.
Explore the latest trade and tariff changesGovernment & regulations
Legislative momentum is building as Congress introduces several bills to combat freight fraud and cargo theft. Key proposals emphasize stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and collaborative action—reflecting priorities for freight industry security.
Explore proposed congressional efforts to protect cargo operationsDiesel fuel
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, diesel availability, not just price, drives risk. In the meantime, Asia moves toward conservation measures, Europe faces tightening next, and North America remains on the clock. Understanding regional dynamics is critical.
Explore strategies to manage rising fuel costs
Actionable freight insights