Weekly Transportation Update: Consumer inflation ticks up in December but remains fairly cool

The principal economic data released this week showed stable pricing and inflation at the consumer and producer levels, although there were some discrepancies due to variations in gasoline and diesel prices in December. Freight transportation made headlines as the U.S. and allies targeted Houthi rebel positions in Yemen to protect commercial shipping from recent attacks.

•  A drop in diesel prices keeps producer-level inflation in check.
• Real exports and imports decline more than 2% in November.
• Spot rates for van equipment ease following holiday-period surge.
• Rail and intermodal volumes rebound from the holiday lull.