Trucking is getting a boost from healthy manufacturing levels, and its pace is predicted to keep growing over the next year. Between demand for raw materials and consumer goods, that’s expected to keep truckers busy, despite the sluggish or slowing economic climate. American Trucking Associations chief economist says the strength of freight activity through the end of the year will be dependent on how Continue Reading

Carriers who’ve weathered the downturn are becoming readjusted to the “new” economy, taking advantage of a greater volume of freight distributed among fewer companies. Many businesses were forced to close during the recession. But despite that silver lining, other aspects of the economy that could impact trucking are slow to catch up. Housing sales and starts continue to remain low, though consumer spending is gaining slightly and showing moderate growth that’s expected to hold steady. No doubt boosted by the holidays, retail sales rose 5.5 percent, mostly on lower-ticket items such as Continue Reading

Consumer confidence took a slight tumble from August to September, but it didn’t fall as far as some economists expected. The latest Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index showed a decline to a 68.2 reading in September from August’s 68.9 mark. After a preliminary reading for September of 66.6 was released, economist predicted the index would fall to 67. Viewed as a gauge of Continue Reading

Recent consumer confidence gauges are showing mixed messages. One CBS News Poll showed a growing number of Americans felt the economy was worsening, while the latest Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer index show improvements. The final index reading for August showed an increase, 68.9 up from 67.8 in July, which was the lowest since November. Consumer confidence is tied to more consumer spending, which accounts for Continue Reading

Trucking industry analysts have voiced repeated assurances that the economy is getting better. Even improvements, though slight, are regarded as the slow but steady trend to recovery. But a recent CBS News Poll indicates that not all Americans feel so optimistic. Their outlook, according to the data, shows 34 percent believe things are getting worse. The housing market has fallen into the summer months, and banks and lending institutions continue to be tight with credit. Such a picture has prompted financial analysts to predict another stimulus program by the Continue Reading