---
title: "Weekly Transportation Update: Manufacturing’s February gain fails to offset January drop in output"
description: Stay updated on the latest transportation trends with a focus on the manufacturing, truck spot rates and rail/intermodal volumes.
image: https://today.ftrintel.com/hubfs/Hero%20Images/Shippers%20Hero%20Images/Shippers%20warehouse%202.png
---

![](https://today.ftrintel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hero%20Images/Shippers%20Hero%20Images/Shippers%20warehouse%202.png?width=1600&height=500&name=Shippers%20warehouse%202.png)

Economy WTU

# Weekly Transportation Update: Manufacturing’s February gain fails to offset January drop in output

![The FTR Experts](https://7528315.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528315/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-cms-elevate-theme_hubspot/elevate/images/avatar-placeholder.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=avatar-placeholder.jpg)

 The FTR Experts

March 18, 2024

In February, key economic indicators improved after January's weather impact, but updated data revealed a larger hit than expected. February gains didn't fully offset January declines. Inflation remained a concern for both consumers and businesses, partly due to volatile fuel prices. Government pricing data for freight brokers in transportation showed continued strengthening, prompting questions about underlying causes.

 

- Retail sales rise in February but not by enough to offset January’s losses.
- The Producer Price Index for freight brokers continues to rise sharply.
- Total trucking spot rates basically hold steady in the latest week.
- Rail and intermodal volumes change little from the prior week.

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## Keep reading

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