Weekly Transportation Update: Industrial production and retail sales were flat in April versus March

In April, manufacturing output experienced a decline, while nominal retail and food service sales remained flat. There was a slight recovery in housing starts during the same period. Mortgage rates decreased for the second consecutive week, while consumer pricing was supported by shelter and gasoline costs. Producer-level pricing saw an increase in April, despite diesel prices falling for the fifth consecutive week. Truck spot rates eased as Roadcheck approached, and rail traffic remained robust except for coal shipments. A Canadian rail strike was postponed pending investigation, and Robert Primus was appointed as the STB chairman.

• Housing starts rise in April following downward revision of March estimate.
• Consumer inflation eases a bit, but producer-level inflation accelerates.
• Spot rates in trucking decline modestly during the week before International Roadcheck.
• Railroad strike in Canada pushed off by government inquiry into supply chain impact.