Weekly Transportation Update: U.S. adds 275,000 payroll jobs in February

The unemployment rate has increased to 3.9%, with a slight easing in mortgage rates and a continued fall in diesel prices. Additionally, rail carload volume is still below 2023 levels.

• The unemployment rate in February was highest in more than two years.
• Job openings barely change during January.
• Trucking spot market rates decline as refrigerated rates fall for the sixth straight week.
• STB chief slams activist investors’ interference in railroad management.