The US Logistics Managers’ Index rose to 70.2 in September 2026, up from 66.6 in August, marking the second-highest reading in four years, surpassed only by June’s 71.1. The strongest acceleration was observed in Inventory Levels (58.9 vs 52.8) and Inventory Costs (79.9 vs 78.6), developments that are exerting significant pressure on the warehousing market.
Warehousing Capacity contracted sharply to 39.3 from 53.5, the steepest decline since March 2022. This likely reflects the fact that many firms—particularly retailers—had previously drawn down inventories and are now replenishing ahead of potential holiday sales. The resulting reduction in available storage space has driven Warehousing Utilization higher (64.3 vs 59.6) and is likely supporting the continued strong growth in Warehousing Prices (73.5 vs 75), which remain firmly in expansionary territory despite a slight moderation.
Similar conditions are evident in transportation markets. Transportation Capacity fell to 34.4 from 40, while Transportation Utilization continued to expand, though at a slower pace (66.1 vs 70.6). Transportation Prices, however, continued to surge, climbing to 92.7 from 90, underscoring ongoing tightness and persistent inflationary pressures in freight markets.
