CHRW · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Market Demand Trends

C. H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC. · 2026-10-30 · Importance 41 · Surprise 32

Underlying freight demand remained muted, with industry freight volumes down 0.3% year over year in the third quarter, although volumes showed early signs of stabilization late in the quarter. C.H. Robinson’s combined North American truckload and LTL volume increased 3.5%, outperforming the Cass Freight Index decline. In Global Forwarding, ocean shipments increased 2.0% as earlier-than-usual peak-season demand supported volumes, while air freight tonnage decreased 4.0% amid uneven conditions and Middle East-related route disruptions. Robinson Fresh saw higher foodservice customer volumes but lower average pricing with retail customers, while Managed Solutions reported higher freight under management.

Key facts

• Underlying freight demand remained muted in Q3 2026, although volumes showed early signs of stabilization late in the quarter; industry freight volumes measured by the Cass Freight Index declined 0.3% year over year. source
• C.H. Robinson's combined NAST truckload and LTL volume increased approximately 3.5% year over year in Q3 2026, while the Cass Freight Index declined 0.3%. source
• C.H. Robinson's ocean freight shipments increased 2.0% year over year in Q3 2026, supported by earlier-than-usual peak-season demand. source