Tallies, totals and other trend data in the freight transportation realm (2/19/2026)
2/19/2026
1.0
The FTR Shippers Conditions Index for December "came in at a deceptively positive reading of 1.0," up from -2.9 in November, FTR officials said on Feb. 13. Aside from unpredictable swings in fuel costs, the outlook for shippers' market conditions looks notably more negative; the freight market has deteriorated for shippers, they added. “Much of that deterioration is based on our expectations for stronger freight volume placing greater demand on freight capacity, but the road ahead is rocky for shippers even if our modestly stronger freight demand projections are too rosy," said FTR Vice President of Trucking Avery Vise.
1.9, 3.2 & 13
"North American intermodal saw a nice, snappy rebound from earlier weather woes last week. Volume jumped over 13% from the prior week to just about on par with 2025. That's pretty impressive given the front-loading that was happening last year. However, at this early stage (week 5), I still think we are seeing noise in the numbers from both the weather and the 53-week effect. YTD volumes are off 1.9% y/y for North America and 3.2% for the U.S. This probably better reflects where things stand at the moment." — Intermodal expert Larry Gross in a Feb. 13 LinkedIn post
3 (as in "Tri")
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), and the ports of Benton, Pasco and Walla Walla signed an interlocal agreement to develop an Inland Logistics Hub in the Tri-Cities region of southeastern Washington, NWSA officials announced on Feb. 5. The partnership establishes a framework for joint efforts to enhance international trade, expand cargo movement and strengthen Washington state’s supply chain infrastructure. The envisioned Inland Logistics Hub will leverage existing regional assets, including available industrial-zoned land and access to Class Is and major highways with direct connections to the coastal seaport, officials said.
3 & 4
Port Houston posted 3% tonnage growth in 2025 compared with the prior year, handling 54,491,066 short tons of cargo across its public terminals in what port officials termed as the most successful year in the port’s history. "While down 3% for the month of December, annual container volumes totaled 4,303,345 TEUs in 2025, a 4% increase over 2024, marking a record year for container volumes," port officials said on Jan. 30. "Loaded exports increased 7% in 2025, while loaded imports increased 1% for the year."
4.85
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) rose to 4.85 in December from the 2.14 reading in November, mostly due to stronger freight rates and capacity utilization, FTR officials said on Feb. 6. As measured by the TCI, overall market conditions are the most favorable for carriers since February 2022 and are largely expected to remain favorable over the forecast horizon, they added.
4.9 & 7.1
The shipments component of the Cass Freight Index fell 7.1% year over year and 4.9% month over month in January, or 2.0% month over month in seasonally adjusted terms, reaching a new cycle low, Cass Information Systems Inc. officials said on Feb. 17. "The normal seasonal trend would have the shipments component of the Cass Freight Index down 11% year over year in February, although a rebound from the weather could support volumes above this," they added.
12
In January, the Port of Los Angeles processed 812,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 12% decrease compared with cargo levels in January 2025, the port announced on Feb. 17. Loaded imports came in at 421,594 TEUs, a 13% decline. Loaded exports landed at 104,297 TEUs, an 8% drop. The port handled 286,110 empty container units, 12% less than the same period last year. "There are several factors at play,” Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “First, we’re comparing January to 2025 elevated numbers when importers were scrambling to get cargo in ahead of tariffs. Second, inventories remain slightly higher, reflecting the earlier cargo surge and a more cautious restocking pace. Finally, U.S. trade policy continues to keep everyone on edge."
45
The top policy issues rail lobbyists for a day will discuss with elected officials and their staffs at Railroad Day on Capitol Hill (March 4) include 45G tax credit modernization, federal rail grant funding, permitting reform, and Highway Trust Fund and truck length and weight limits, according the Feb. 18 edition of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association's Views & News. For more information and to register for the event, visit https://engage.aslrra.org/rrd2026
70
On Feb. 17, Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Railway informed the Surface Transportation Board that they anticipate filing a revised application on April 30 — or in 70 days — for their proposed merger. On Jan. 16, the STB unanimously ruled that the application UP-NS filed on Dec. 19, 2025, was incomplete because it did not include certain information required under STB regulations.
100
The American Transportation Research Institute released its 15th annual list highlighting the top 100 most congested bottlenecks for trucks in the United States, with the interchange of Interstate 294 and Interstates 290/88 in Chicago ranking as the most congested freight bottleneck, ATRI officials said on Feb. 17. I-294 and I-290/I-88 surpassed the long-standing number one bottleneck in Fort Lee, New Jersey (I-95 at SR 4). The remaining top 10: (3) I-285 at I-85 (North) in Atlanta; (4) I-45 at I-69/US 59 in Houston; (5) I-75 at I-285 (North) in Atlanta; (6) I-20 at I-285 (West) in Nashville, Tennessee; (7) I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East) in Nashville; (8) I-10 at I-69/US 59 in Houston; (9) I-71 at I-75 in Cincinnati; and (10) I-75 in McDonough, Georgia.
4 billion
Ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd signed an agreement with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., the world’s 10th largest container shipping line, under which Hapag-Lloyd would acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares for a consideration of $35 per share in cash. The total transaction value: more than $4 billion. FIMI, Israel's largest private equity fund, would take ownership of a carved-out container liner business. The new container line would start with 16 "modern, sizeable, and efficient" vessels and take over full responsibility for ZIM’s Golden Share as well as the ZIM brand, Hapag-Lloyd officials said on Feb. 16. The transactions is subject to approval by ZIM's shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities.