Weekly Transportation Update: A Growing Economy Does Little For Freight Demand

Economic growth in Q4 does little to bolster freight demand.

• Sluggish orders for durable manufactured goods were skewed upward by aircraft orders.
• Real consumer spending falls for the second straight month as the savings rate rebounds.
• Dry van and refrigerated spot rates have given back their holiday-period surge.
• Rail carriers’ earnings reports share cautious outlooks.