Freight rates should rise in second half of year, but rising fuel costs could offset gains

Shipments declined by 3.2% in January from December levels, but no more than they usually do, according to the latest Cass Freight Index for Shipments, part of a monthly report issued by Cass Information Systems. The Cass report called the January results “better than expected” and credited mild weather, along with improved auto production, for the results.