Markets

China and the United States issued a joint-statement regarding trade consultations and a desire to support bilateral trade between the countries.

E-commerce sales shrugged off a weak quarter for retail overall, and the resilience of online shopping should continue to drive innovation in transportation and freight markets as businesses look to take advantage.

The Brent-WTI spread has widened considerably to $8.25, a bullish signal for demand for American oil exports and truckload miles.

Output from the nation’s industrial sector climbed for the third consecutive month, as broad gains across industries helped compensate for a lull in auto production. This serves as yet another sign that freight demand will remain solid in the 2nd quarter.

High capacity, steady rise in oil prices, a weaker U.S. dollar and a dull spot market had sunken margins of shipping majors in Q1 2018.

Retail activity improved again in April, helping to reinforce the idea of stronger consumer spending in the 2nd quarter. This should help sustain freight demand as retailers look for inventory replenishment and last mile residential delivery services

It will literally take an act of Congress to right the sinking USPS ship. Even heavy attrition and solid growth in packages and shipping can’t stop the losses.

The intensifying shortage of drivers is the result of several key issues relating to supply, demand, and new regulations—and is expected to have a significant impact on oil supply.

Data on producer prices shows that overall inflation pressure cooled in the economy last month, as big declines in food prices offset gain in other areas of the economy.  Trucking prices remained essentially unchanged for the second consecutive month, but remain elevated relative to this point last year.

Job openings pushed to a fresh record high at the end of the 1st quarter, indicating that labor market conditions remain healthy in the overall economy. The openings rate in the transportation sector continues to outpace the rest of the economy, and the pace of hiring provides further evidence that the industry is struggling to find workers.

The collapse of Venezuelan oil production and fears of renewed sanctions on Iran are driving oil prices to 2014 levels, but what does that mean for the American economy and the trucking sector?

Brokers continue to see more business and higher revenue, according to the latest data compiled by DAT.

he pace of hiring improved slightly in April as the unemployment rate fell below 4% for the first time since the end of 2000. Trucking employment, however, saw no such gains as jobs in the industry declined for the first time in eight months.

Manufacturing growth is likely to remain solid in the 2nd quarter, as orders for new production remained healthy through March. This should help keep freight demand strong, even if things have moderated from the torrid pace seen in previous months.

Data from the Institute of Supply Management shows that manufacturing activity lost some momentum in April, as the current capacity crunch and recent tariffs have impacted production flows

Every new regulatory regime—whether it’s deregulation, the introduction of hours of service, or the ELD mandate—prompts a fresh wave of creative destruction. Some business models thrive, while others go extinct.

The industrial real estate prices have been up for a long time and if market trends are to be believed, they could be climbing for the next few years.

Economic conditions as they relate to freight generally improved during the month. With a few notable exceptions, most of the data released in April (largely covering March activity) either met or exceeded expectations and signal that freight demand will likely stay strong going forward.

When investing in cyclical companies, such a transports, it is important to first understand what part of the economic cycle we are in.

Tax changes have made leasing an even more inviting proposition for fleets, says the COO of Fleet Advantage.

Economic growth slowed down in the 1st quarter, as payback from post-hurricane surges and poor weather derailed activity in some sectors of the economy.

The goods trade deficit narrowed for the first time in seven months, but total trade going in and out of the US actually declined.

Durable goods orders rose 2.6% in March, driven by a 2nd consecutive surge in commercial aircraft orders. Core orders remained essentially unchanged during the month in a sign that freight demand will continue to normalize.

The company is moving fast in an effort to stay on top of trends, to see industry changes as opportunities, and to continue to act offensively.

Truck tonnage fell for the second consecutive month despite generally solid economic conditions. Responses from survey data suggests that the freight is out there, but capacity is preventing tonnage growth

Sales of single-family homes improved for the 2nd consecutive month in a sign that housing activity is beginning to accelerate at the start of spring. This, in turn, should boost freight demand for building materials, furniture, and appliances as households move in and settle.

Trucking employment has grown a healthy 32% since 2012, but very small and small fleets are absorbing the new drivers, leaving large carriers struggling to seat their trucks.

Many fortunes have been made doing exactly the opposite. 

Volatility returns to commodity markets, with oil, aluminum, and nickel posting huge price increases. How long will these price shocks last, and how will they affect the economy?

Responses from the Federal Reserve's Beige Book on regional economic conditions show that recent tariffs and capacity issues in freight are starting to pressure businesses.