Weekly Transportation Update: Retail sales decline in January, but weather might have been a factor

The unusually severe winter weather in mid-January seems to have impacted key seasonally adjusted economic indicators. The Federal Reserve mentioned winter weather as a contributing factor in industrial production figures.

• Winter weather is clearly a factor in decreases in housing starts and industrial production.
• Diesel prices soar in the latest week as distillate production plunges.
• Spot rates for van equipment fall sharply in the latest week.
• FMC affirms judge’s ruling in favor of motor carriers in intermodal chassis choice case.