SUMMARY

Air Freight: Global air cargo spot rates rose 41% year-over-year in May 2026, reaching $3.40/kg, driven by strong North American and Asia-Pacific demand. Dynamic load factors on Asia–North America lanes reached 90%, signaling tight belly capacity.

Ocean Freight: The Drewry World Container Index surged 5% to $4,166/40ft on June 25 — its highest level since September 2024 — as transpacific frontloading intensifies ahead of anticipated July GRI increases to $7,000–$8,000+.

Trucking: Spot rates hit an all-time recorded high of $3.83/mile in early June driven by seasonal produce and beverage demand, with van load-to-truck ratios up 92% year-over-year. Flatbed remains the tightest segment at $3.60/mile.

Early peak season: what’s different in 2026

Early peak season in 2026 means ocean freight rates are rising weeks ahead of normal, as shippers front‑load inventory before tariffs and events like the FIFA World Cup, tightening capacity and stretching port infrastructure before traditional Q3 peaks. Instead of a gentle ramp in July and August, we are seeing a sharp step‑up in June.

SUMMARY

Air Freight: The Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) edged down -0.9% week-over-week through June 12, yet remains elevated with year-on-year gains exceeding +32% on most corridors, driven by ongoing supply chain adjustments following the Strait of Hormuz disruption and sustained demand growth.

Ocean Freight: The Drewry World Container Index (WCI) rose 3% to $3,549/40ft container for the week of June 11, with transpacific rates surging — Shanghai to New York up 7% to $5,870/40ft — as shippers accelerate bookings ahead of anticipated July tariff actions and FIFA World Cup cargo demand.

Trucking: Spot rates softened modestly week-over-week with dry van at $2.74/mile (-$0.01) and reefer at $3.05/mile (-$0.01), while flatbed strengthened to $3.30/mile (+$0.01); load-to-truck ratios remain near historic highs at 12.92 (van) and 87.22 (flatbed).

Reno, Nev. – BTX Global Logistics celebrated the new ownership of its Reno, Nevada, branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held recently. Members of the BTX team, the local community, and the Chamber of Commerce gathered for the event.

BTX Global Logistics is pleased to announce two key promotions within the Corporate Management level of the organization in the Sales and Operations departments. Founded in 1980, BTX is a worldwide provider of transportation and logistics services with 42 regional branches strategically located across North America.