Weekly Transportation Update: Wholesale inventories rise in December but so do sales

In a relatively quiet week, wholesale inventories held steady and sales increased. Real exports and imports rose in December. Mortgage rates have been stable for eight weeks.  Diesel prices rose for third time in four weeks. And rail traffic strengthened.  

• U.S. international trade in goods rises in December.
• Diesel prices rise for the third time in four weeks.
• Spot rates fall further after mid-January spike but are still in line with seasonal trends.
• Intermodal and rail carload volumes strengthen in the latest week.