Logistics & Freight Company Roundup: September 2026

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Here is a quick roundup of recent news from six logistics and freight companies, with a note on why each item matters to manufacturers who buy transportation. Every item links to its source. Company statements are reported as the companies made them.

J.B. Hunt warns on third-quarter earnings (September 15-16)

J.B. Hunt told a Morgan Stanley investor conference that third-quarter earnings per share could fall 5% to 10% from the second quarter, FreightWaves reported. The company pointed to at least a $10 million fuel headwind and about $25 million in added driver-related costs. Management called the cost pressure “more cyclical than structural” and said demand remains strong. It also said it will not push out-of-cycle rate increases ahead of its intermodal bid season, which starts in October.

Why it matters: carrier cost pressure tends to show up in contract renewals. If you have truckload or intermodal bids coming up, it is prudent to budget for firmer pricing.

UPS launches a new global operating model (effective September 1)

UPS reorganized its global operations after finishing its planned reduction in Amazon volume, Distribution Strategy Group reported on September 18. Air and ground transportation networks now sit under one chief global operations officer. UPS said the model will standardize key processes across markets while letting local operations respond to local needs. The company also named a new head of its international, health care and supply chain solutions business.

Why it matters: UPS says it is putting more weight on health care, supply chain services and other higher-value logistics. If UPS is a key carrier for you, ask your account team how the new structure affects your contacts and service options.

FedEx peak surcharges take effect; earnings due October 28

FedEx’s 2026 peak season surcharges began phasing in on September 28, with all charges active by October 26 and running to January 17, 2027. Supply Chain Dive reported that the fees are higher than last year’s. The Additional Handling Surcharge peaks at $11.85 per package and the Oversize Charge at $117.25. FedEx said on its June earnings call that its next earnings release, on October 28, will cover June through September as it moves to a calendar fiscal year.

Why it matters: heavy or oversized parts shipped by parcel will cost more through mid-January. Check your mix of oversize and additional handling shipments now.

DHL Express adds heavyweight express service in the US (September 9)

DHL Express launched Heavy Weight Express for US businesses, covering shipments up to 2,200 pounds per piece and 6,600 pounds per shipment. The company said the service includes dedicated priority desks for proactive tracking and named manufacturers among its target customers, including uses such as avoiding production downtime.

Why it matters: for urgent spare parts or line-down situations, another express option for heavy freight may be worth adding to your emergency playbook. Compare its all-in cost against air freight forwarders.

Maersk routes two more services through Suez (September 9)

In its September Europe market update, Maersk said that after a security assessment, it and Hapag-Lloyd will route the AE19 and AE15 services through the Suez Canal instead of around the Cape of Good Hope. Maersk described this as a measured step and said it is not yet a wider return of its East-West network.

Why it matters: more Suez transits add effective capacity on Asia-Europe lanes. Drewry’s October 1 index showed Asia-Europe rates down for 12 straight weeks, while transpacific rates held firm.

C.H. Robinson outlines AI and market share themes (September 10)

C.H. Robinson summarized themes from recent investor conferences. It reported 13 consecutive quarters of truckload market share gains in North American Surface Transportation and said productivity in two major divisions has improved by more than 60% since late 2022. Its CFO said the company spends less than $1.2 million a year on AI tokens and ties AI spending to expected returns. On legal matters, management said 98% of its cases are dismissed or settled and that it expects insurance cost increases to be manageable.

Why it matters: brokers are competing on quote speed and AI-driven productivity. When you review brokers, ask how they use automation and how they vet carriers.

The takeaway

Fuel, peak surcharges and shifting ocean routes are all moving at once. Review your freight contracts and surcharge exposure before year-end. If you want a second opinion on transportation costs or landed cost, our supply chain team can help, starting with a free 30-minute call.

Sources

This article summarizes public reporting and research as of October 5, 2026. It is general information, not legal, customs or tax advice.

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