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Weekly Transportation Update: Employment Growth Cools in June


Employment growth cools a bit as the U.S. adds 209,000 payroll jobs in June.

  • The ISM manufacturing index retreats further in June.
  • CARB and truck manufacturers strike deal on California emissions regulations.
  • Van segments see seasonal rate strength, but flatbed rates fall.
  • Intermodal volume struggles due to Canadian situation; energy is a drag on rail carload traffic.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Housing Starts Surge as Existing Homes Sales Flounder


Housing starts surge in May, but sales of existing homes were weak.


  • New claims for unemployment benefits are holding at the highest level since October 2021.
  • Truck spot rates decline during the week before the traditional seasonal run-up
  • Rail carload volumes look to hold nearly steady into the fall.
  • Intermodal volumes bounce back as port disruptions ease.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Auto and Light Truck Sales Decline But Remain Above 2022 Average


Auto sector continues to fuel higher U.S. imports from Mexico and Canada.


  • Auto and light truck sales declined in May but were still well above the 2022 average.
  • Wholesale inventories are still highly elevated relative to sales..
  • Spot volume falls during Memorial Day holiday week, but rates change little..
  • Intermodal and carload volumes fall as expected during the holiday week..

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Weekly Transportation Update: Job Openings Rise for First Time Since December


U.S. adds 339,000 payroll jobs in May as unemployment also rises sharply.

  • Job openings increase modestly in April.
  • The ISM manufacturing index eases as the new orders component falls sharply.
  • Spot rate changes are mixed during the week following International Roadcheck.
  • Intermodal volumes continue a strong Q2.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Core Capital Goods Orders Rise in April


Consumer spending on goods outpaced services in April.

  • New orders for core capital goods rose in April.
  • Sales of new single-family homes rose after downward revision of March estimate.
  • Van spot rates surged during International Roadcheck week.
  • Rail and intermodal volume largely is stuck in a status quo.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Retail Sales Hold Steady


Automotive production sets seasonally adjusted record in April.

  • Real retail sales basically hold steady after annual data revision.
  • Wholesale inventories are very high relative to sales.
  • Spot rates softened heading into this week’s almost certain increase.
  • Rail employment trends show a flattening out at most carriers.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Unemployment Hits 54-Year Low


U.S. Economy Adds 253,000 Payroll Jobs in April

  • The unemployment rate again falls to the lowest in 54 years.
  • Closely watched manufacturing indicator improves but still suggests a slowing sector.
  • Refrigerated spot rates see strongest gain of the year in the latest week.
  • Intermodal sets another volume high for 2023.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Housing Starts Ease After Strong February


Housing starts and home sales soften after strong February.

  • Seasonally adjusted continued claims for unemployment benefits were highest since November 2021.
  • Streak of diesel price decreases ends at 10 weeks as the Midwest fuels higher national average.
  • Dry van and refrigerated spot rates fall by the most in a week since January.
  • Rail volumes recover in the latest week after an Easter-induced decline.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Inflation Cools While Job Growth Impresses


Manufacturing output and retail sales fall while inflation cools.

  • The economy posts solid job growth in March as trucking employment looks   stronger.
  • EPA proposal would require major shift to zero-emission vehicles by model year 2032.
  • Truck spot market metrics soften in line with seasonal expectations.
  • Mexico factors into recent weakness in intermodal and rail carload volumes.

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Weekly Transportation Update: Job Openings Fall For Second Straight Month


Job openings dip below 10 million for the first time since May 2021.

  • The ISM manufacturing index weakens to lowest level since May 2020.
  • Trucking company new entry and carrier failures were basically in balance in March.
  • Spot rates in dry van and refrigerated decline in line with seasonal expectations.
  • Intermodal and rail carload volumes were generally stable in the latest week.

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