As we shared in last month’s tariff brief, the freight market remains highly sensitive to seasonal shifts, global production cycles, and regulatory changes. While we’re not seeing broad price spikes, volatility is showing up in more targeted pressure points; especially in truckload lanes, LTL accessorial behavior, and China‑origin imports tied to Chinese New Year.
Here’s what’s shaping freight movement this month and how DIZPOT/DIZLOGIC helps customers stay ahead.
Full Truckload (FTL): Thin Capacity Meets Weather Challenges
FTL demand remains soft overall, but capacity is just tight enough that winter storms and regional disruptions are amplifying volatility.
- Several weather‑impacted corridors experienced temporary rate jumps
- Carrier networks are rebalancing, but lane‑level conditions remain fluid
- Minor delays on time‑sensitive freight can push customers into the spot market
DIZPOT’s advantage:
Our routing, planning, and carrier relationships help maintain stability when market conditions shift unexpectedly. Realistic lead times and proactive mode selection keep freight moving without unnecessary cost.
Less‑Than‑Truckload (LTL): Firm Pricing & Growing Focus on Profitability
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LTL carriers continue to prioritize shipment‑level profitability over base rate changes. The result:
- More reclasses due to density and packaging
- Higher reliance on accessorials
- Increased scrutiny of shipment dimensions and preparation
This is where experience matters.
DIZPOT actively manages these variables—classification, packaging, pallet prep, and communication to help customers avoid preventable charges and maintain predictable, consistent LTL performance.
Ocean Freight & China: Chinese New Year Creates its Annual Ripple Effect
As factories wind down for CNY, importers rush to move freight before closures. This front‑loading creates:
- Port congestion on U.S. arrivals
- More customs inspections
- Tight vessel space allocation
- A surge now, followed by slower sailings and longer recovery cycles
How DIZPOT navigates these cycles:
- Securing space early
- Coordinating with suppliers and forwarders
- Adjusting timelines around CNY closures
- Maintaining inventory buffers for key programs
Our team has been managing CNY disruptions for years, so we build these cycles into your reorder planning long before they hit. Peak‑season front‑loading ahead of factory shutdowns and reduced port staffing contribute to congestion at major Chinese gateways like Shanghai and Shenzhen.
What This Means for Your Supply Chain
Across FTL, LTL, and ocean freight, the theme is the same: conditions can shift fast, and preparation pays off.
DIZPOT supports customers by:
- Ensuring competitive, fair logistics pricing
- Maintaining consistent capacity through long‑term carrier relationships
- Monitoring seasonal and geopolitical trends before they cause disruption
- Managing compliance, documentation, and shipment configuration
- Offering Supply Chain Agreements that stabilize cost and simplify reorders
Bottom Line:
Freight markets remain fragile but navigable. With informed planning, mode optimization, and experienced logistics management, you can stay ahead of disruptions rather than reacting to them.
If you’d like to review your reorder schedule or discuss a Supply Chain Agreement, our logistics team is ready to help you build a plan that fits your needs.
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