August LMI: Transportation prices soar to 90 as capacity remains at 40

Sep 1, 2026 10:13 (21d ago)

The US Logistics Managers’ Index fell to 66.6 in August 2026 as slower inventory growth weighed on the overall reading.
Transportation prices rose 3.1 points to 90, while capacity improved 11.6 points to 40 but remained below the 50 expansion threshold.
Transportation utilization reached 70.6, and manufacturing new orders expanded for an eighth consecutive month as respondents expected tight conditions ahead.

The US Logistics Managers’ Index fell for a second consecutive month to 66.6 in August 2026, down 2.2 points from July’s 68.9 and marking the sector’s slowest growth in six months. Slower inventory expansion provided the main drag, while transportation prices climbed 3.1 points to 90 even as capacity remained in deep contraction at 40. Transportation utilization rose 5.6 points to 70.6, only the second reading above 70 in five years. Manufacturing remained in expansion, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI at 54.6 and the New Orders Index at 53.7 for an eighth consecutive month. Respondents expect transportation conditions to remain tight over the next 12 months, supporting pressure on carriers to raise rates and restore profitability.