In the latest U.S. economic update, payroll employment rose by 254,000 jobs, while the unemployment rate eased slightly to 4.1%. August saw a notable increase in job openings, though construction spending remained sluggish. Mortgage rates edged higher despite the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut. Diesel prices rose marginally, while crude oil experienced a significant single-day gain on Thursday. Trucking jobs showed little movement in September, and Q3 saw fewer for-hire carriers exiting the market. Spot rates remained weak, and total rail traffic was essentially flat year-over-year. Meanwhile, work at East and Gulf Coast container ports resumed operations.