Global Freight Market Update for January 2026

January 26, 2026

Global Freight Market Update  

Key Takeaway

Global air cargo demand continued to rise in early 2026 with strong performance across Africa and Asia Pacific. Ocean freight conditions remained steady despite geopolitical tension and ongoing port congestion. U.S. domestic ground markets encountered tightening capacity and increased rate pressure as carriers exited the market. New trade measures, including Iran‑related tariffs, Canadian forced labor reporting rules, and Section 232 actions, added new compliance requirements for global shippers.

Summary

Global freight markets opened 2026 with a mix of resilience and pressure across all major transport modes. Air freight demand reached record levels at the end of 2025, supported by double‑digit growth in key international regions and rising month‑over‑month yields. Ocean freight markets continued to navigate persistent port congestion, constrained carrier capacity, and geopolitical instability in the Red Sea region. U.S. import volume trends pointed to ongoing diversification away from China toward Southeast Asia. Ground freight markets faced tightening capacity, increased regulatory enforcement, and continued carrier exits. Contract and spot rate behavior suggested moderate upward pricing through early 2026. New trade regulations, including a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries engaged in trade with Iran and updated forced labor disclosure requirements in Canada, created new compliance challenges for importers and exporters.

International Air Freight News

• Global air cargo demand increased 5.5 percent year over year, supported by international CTK growth of 6.9 percent and strong performance in Africa and Asia Pacific.
• Cargo capacity rose 4.7 percent year over year, with load factors reaching 49.1 percent and jet fuel prices climbing 5.9 percent.
• Air cargo yields declined 2.9 percent year over year but increased 8.2 percent month over month, marking the strongest monthly improvement since late 2021.

Download Air Freight Update

International Ocean Freight News

• Ocean freight rates are expected to soften slightly during 2026 due to structural constraints such as port congestion, mega‑ship deployment, and infrastructure limitations.
• Ongoing instability in the Red Sea continued to disrupt key routes, prompting carriers to divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope and increase transit times.
• U.S. imports reached 2.2 million TEUs in December 2025, increasing 2 percent month over month, while China’s share of U.S. imports decreased to 31.7 percent as sourcing patterns shifted.

Download Ocean Freight Update

U.S. Domestic Ground Freight News

• Major shippers reported tender acceptance rates decreasing from 95 percent to approximately 80 percent due to carrier exits and dependence on higher‑cost backup providers.
• December truckload rates increased 1 percent month over month and 2 percent year over year, while spot rates rose 11 percent year over year, with a 2026 pricing outlook between 0 and 3 percent.
• December shipments declined 8 percent year over year, and transportation capacity dropped 31 percent year over year, based on an LMI reading of 54.2.

Download Ground Freight Update

Latest Policy & Trade Developments

• The United States implemented a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries engaged in trade with Iran, affecting supply chains across Asia and the Middle East. [Read more]

• Canada introduced updated Forced Labour Reporting Requirements that mandate annual disclosures by May 31, 2026, including clearer definitions and attestation rules. [Read more]

• Section 232 measures took effect on January 20, 2026, adding new tariffs, quotas, and minimum pricing rules for critical minerals and semiconductor products. [Read more]

Stay ahead of global trade changes with Crane Worldwide Logistics’ Tariff Response Unit. Discover expert insights, tariff clarity, and peace of mind to help your business navigate evolving customs regulations and minimize costs. Click here to learn how our dedicated team can keep your shipments moving despite tariff uncertainty!

Solution Spotlight: Time-Critical Solution

Did you know: Crane Worldwide Logistics provides rapid, end‑to‑end Time‑Critical Services designed for urgent, high‑priority shipments that require immediate execution. These services operate continuously with global control towers located in Atlanta, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Each location provides real‑time oversight and rapid response capabilities that help minimize downtime and reduce operational impact. Time‑Critical Solutions support aerospace AOG situations, automotive line‑down events, urgent medical deliveries, and critical energy or technology shipments. With specialized handling, secure chain‑of‑custody procedures, and proactive monitoring, Crane Worldwide Logistics ensures reliable performance when timing is essential for success.

Speak to a Time‑Critical Specialist Now

Did you know? We regularly publish market updates and real-time alerts via our Industry Insight newsletter on LinkedIn. Sign up to receive regular updates!