Weekly Transportation Update: Consumer spending on goods falls sharply in January

Consumer spending on goods fells in January, while retail inventories saw small gains. This week saw a decline in diesel prices and slightly stronger carload and intermodal traffic.

• Sales of new homes rise after downward revision of December estimates.
• Decrease in the for-hire trucking carrier population was much smaller in February.
• Flatbed bolsters total market spot rates as van rates continue to slide.
• FMC issues final rule on detention and demurrage billing practices.