Inventory Data Good News for Trucking

While there are some signs of slowing in manufacturing, inventories relative to sales remain lean, suggesting that businesses are maintaining normal replenishment and shipment cycles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the inventories-to-sales ratio throughout the economy was 1.27 on a seasonally adjusted basis in July, down slightly from May and June and only slightly higher than the all-time low of 1.25 in March.

Manufacturing orders slump

The composite PMI stood at 50.6%, suggesting slight growth in the overall manufacturing sector.

Truck loadings practically flat in August

(Seasonally adjusted: 2000=100)

Although up 2.9% over the prior August, truck loadings in August were just 0.3% higher than the month before. (Loadings by commodity as well as a forecast of loadings are available at TruckGauge.)

Trailer and container loads for U.S. railroads were up 0.4%in August.

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