Archive for the ‘RETAIL’ Category

Truckload rates up for sixth straight month

Truckload rates increased 3.7 percent in August 2015 compared to August 2014 following year-over-year increases of 3.6 percent in June and July, according to the latest Cass Truckload Linehaul Index.

Demand for rail service should continue to grow

In reporting weekly U.S. rail traffic as well as volumes for August 2015 and the first eight months of 2015, the Association of American Railroads said that traffic is beginning to show some signs of growth.

Intermodal infrastructure investments featured on CNBC

Demand for freight transportation is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. The Federal Highway Administration estimates total U.S. freight shipments will rise to 28.5 billion tons in 2040 — a 45 percent increase from 20121. As demand grows, intermodal rail will play a critical role in the current and future freight transportation landscape.

U.S. Productivity Increases at 3.3% Pace in Second Quarter

WASHINGTON—U.S. worker productivity advanced this spring, reflecting a bounce back in economic activity following a slow start to 2015. (This article requires a subscription with The Wall Street Journal.  To access, please click on the above link.)

U.S. Construction Spending Hits a New Postrecession High

U.S. construction spending rose to the highest level in more than seven years in July, suggesting that the housing market and business investment can help underpin economic growth amid turbulence outside American borders.  (This article requires a subscription with The Wall Street Journal.  To access, please click on the above link.)

Eastbound trans-Pacific spot rates fall to 45-month low

Just days before trans-Pacific ocean carriers aim to implement aggressive general rate increases on eastbound services to North America, average spot rates from Shanghai to the U.S. hit their lowest level in almost four years. (This article requires registration at the Journal of Commerce.  To access, please click on the above link.)