---
title: Weekly Transportation Update: Retail sales decline in January, but weather might have been a factor
description: Discover the latest transportation updates in this weekly blog post. Learn about trucking spot rates, diesel prices, and railcar volumes.
---

[State of Freight TODAY ](https://today.ftrintel.com)

# [Weekly Transportation Update: Retail sales decline in January, but weather might have been a factor](https://today.ftrintel.com/retail-sales-decline-in-january-but-weather-might-have-been-a-factor)

 Written by [The FTR Experts](https://today.ftrintel.com/author/experts) | 2/19/24 4:01 PM

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.

[View full post](https://today.ftrintel.com/retail-sales-decline-in-january-but-weather-might-have-been-a-factor)

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