Plus, cargo theft risks spikes ahead of Memorial Day, April sees drop in freight, a Wisconsin carrier and brokerage file for bankruptcy, and more.
ATA and ACT Research report declines in U.S. truck tonnage and trailer orders in April, as economic uncertainty and tariff pressures stall recovery across freight and equipment markets.
Trucking firm Elite Carriers and brokerage affiliate ECI Inc. have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, joining three other entities owned by Kirk Ecklund in seeking protection.
Despite falling short of economists' expectations, June's retail sales rose by 0.2%, signalling a slowing yet steady consumer demand amid inflation worries.
Despite expectations of a 0.5% increase, June saw a modest 0.2% rise in retail sales, attributed to amplified spending on e-commerce platforms, home furniture, and electronics. Compared to the previous year, retail sales have grown by 1.5%. Notably, online retailers experienced a 1.9% increase in spending, whereas department stores, gas stations, and food and beverage stores saw a decrease.
Although this data indicates a softening in consumer demand, it does not predict a severe downturn. Policymakers view this slowing demand as beneficial in controlling inflation without causing a recession.
Source: Axios
Todays retail sales numbers will suggest a much softer read on consumption than the reality.
— Bob Elliott (@BobEUnlimited) July 18, 2023
Nominal demand for goods (which retail sales covers) has been largely flat for over a year while demand for the 2x larger service sector has continued on: pic.twitter.com/8ywfW0icki
In a recent episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast from Triple T Transport, Allianz Trade North America Chief Economist Dan North shed light on why the anticipated economic recession hasn't yet materialized and its implications on the freight market.
The ISM Manufacturing Index moves from contraction to expansion for the first time in 16 months.
CEOs at Davos signal ongoing supply chain disruptions may persist, affecting global freight and consumer prices.
Sharp increase in freight rates early 2024 may signal an impending surge in goods inflation, according to data from Steno Research.
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