Logistics Managers' Index for March 2026 shows continued expansion in U.S. logistics

U.S. logistics activity continued to expand in March, with the Logistics Managers' Index rising to 65.7 from 61.5 in February.

The official release said March was the fastest pace of expansion since May 2022, driven mainly by a sharp increase in transportation prices and firmer utilization. Transportation Prices jumped 12.7 points to 89.4, the highest reading since March 2022.

Transportation Utilization also rose, gaining 1.0 point to 62.9. Inventory Levels increased by 1.0 point to 54.8, although the report said inventories remained relatively muted compared with transportation measures.

The LMI’s future forecast for 12 months ahead came in at 67.8, suggesting the industry expects continued expansion.

The monthly index is watched by shippers, carriers and manufacturers because it tracks conditions in the logistics sector that can feed into freight rates and, more broadly, inflation-sensitive parts of the economy.

External commentary from Aerotek and Truist pointed to the same March reading and described tightening freight conditions as transportation prices rose and capacity stayed constrained.