2026 Rate Outlook: Early signs of a new freight reality?

Uncertainty still dominates the transportation landscape, but shifts in capacity, trade policy, energy markets, and global demand suggest a year of transition. Our panel reveals where rates may finally stabilize—and where volatility is far from over.

In this annual webcast, supply chain group editorial director Michael Levans and contributing editor Brooks Bentz have assembled our annual panel of logistics and freight transportation analysts to share their insights on rate patterns in all the major transport modes in an effort to help shippers prepare their freight transportation budget for the coming year.

This year, our panel reveals some common themes around the continued uncertainty that hangs over our logistics operations. Shippers joining us on this annual webcast will gain a better understanding of:

The state of the U.S. freight economy.

Capacity and rate forecasts for
- Trucking
- Air cargo
- Ocean cargo
- Parcel express
- Rail/intermodal
 

Moderator: Michael Levans, Group Editorial Director, Supply Chain Group, Peerless Media

Trucking: John G. Larkin, CFA, Strategic Advisor at Clarendon Capital, Senior Partner at Venture 53

Ocean: Philip Damas, Managing Director, Head of Supply Chain, Drewry Shipping Consultants

Rail/Intermodal: Brooks A. Bentz, long-time freight consultant and columnist, Logistics Management

Parcel: Brian Sternberg, 40-year parcel veteran, former UPS Contracts/Pricing Executive

Airfreight: Charles (Chuck) Clowdis, Managing Director, Trans-Logistics Group

Sponsored by