Cass Transportation Index: Freight Market Softness with Rising Rates
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4h ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Volume Decline: The Cass Freight Index reported a 7.2% month-over-month drop in shipments for December, with a year-over-year decline of 7.5%, indicating softness in the freight market despite stabilizing prices, highlighting industry challenges.
- Elevated Expenditures: Although expenditures fell by 1.9% month-over-month in December and only 0.6% year-over-year, this reflects persistent high freight costs that have not decreased as much as shipment volumes, following significant increases in 2021 and 2022.
- Truckload Index Recovery: The Cass Truckload Linehaul Index rose by 1.0% month-over-month in December and posted a 1.8% increase for 2025, recovering from declines of 10% in 2023 and 3.4% in 2024, indicating gradual market recovery.
- Future Demand Outlook: Cass Information Systems suggests that after significant destocking in Q4, a favorable Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariffs could act as a positive catalyst for freight demand moving forward.
Analyst Views on CHRW
Wall Street analysts forecast CHRW stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for CHRW is 167.65 USD with a low forecast of 85.00 USD and a high forecast of 210.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
20 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 175.770
Low
85.00
Averages
167.65
High
210.00
Current: 175.770
Low
85.00
Averages
167.65
High
210.00
About CHRW
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. is a global logistics provider. The Company's segments include North American Surface Transportation (NAST), Global Forwarding, and All Other and Corporate. NAST segment provides transportation and logistics services across North America through a network of offices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAST segment’s services include truckload and less than truckload transportation brokerage services. Global Forwarding segment provides transportation and logistics services through an international network of offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, South America, and the Middle East and also contracts with independent agents worldwide. Global Forwarding segment’s services include ocean freight services, air freight services, and customs brokerage. All Other and Corporate segment includes Robinson Fresh and Managed Solutions. Robinson Fresh provides sourcing services. In its Managed Solutions business, it often acts as the shipper’s agent.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
