Airforwarders Association has cautioned that a slowdown in freight volumes, reported in newly-released U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) data, is another sign of mounting challenges for shippers facing fewer viable transportation options and rising supply chain costs.

The U.S. DOT’s Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) fell 0.4% in June compared to May and was down 0.5% year-over-year.

“While the pandemic taught us the importance of supply chain agility, the current environment of shifting trade policies, tariffs, and regulatory changes has left shippers with fewer choices for moving goods,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association.

“Limited shipping options almost always lead to higher costs, costs that ultimately flow to American consumers.”

Fried emphasized that sudden changes to policy, such as tariff adjustments or de minimis threshold modifications, create ripple effects across all modes.

“When carriers or routes are no longer viable, shippers must pivot quickly, often to more expensive alternatives,” he said.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the June decline was driven by reductions in rail intermodal, rail carload, and trucking volumes.

Air freight and waterborne freight saw modest increases, while pipeline volumes were flat.

“Air freight continues to offer flexibility in times of disruption, but the broader freight network is showing signs of strain,” Fried said.

“Our members remain committed to finding solutions that keep goods moving efficiently, even in a marketplace with fewer and more expensive transportation options.”

The Airforwarders Association represents companies specializing in time-definite transportation and supply chain solutions, advocating for policies that maintain efficient, secure, and competitive freight networks.