Economic Watch: Industrial Production Flat, Inflation Tame, Housing Bright
A new report shows industrial production in the United States was at the same level in July as it was the month before. Meantime, a Labor Department report shows inflation is of little worry when it comes to the health of the economy.


A new report shows industrial production in the United States was at the same level in July as it was the month before.
The Federal Reserve says the measure of the total output from the nation’s factories, mines and utilities was also revised downward from a 0.3% increase in June to a 0.2% hike.
The manufacturing component in July fell 0.1%, its first in three months, while utility output also fell but mining increased. One likely reason for the drop in manufacturing was a 1.7% decline in auto output, which typically falls in the summer as automakers retool.
Meantime, a Labor Department report shows inflation is of little worry when it comes to the health of the economy. The Consumer Price Index increased in July 0.2% following a 0.5% increase in June, the third straight gain.
Excluding the volatile food and energy sectors, the July increase was 0.2%.
Over the past 12 months consumer prices have increased 2% overall, and slightly less when energy and food are removed.
The Labor Department also reports initial jobless claims last week dropped to its lowest level in six years. The news comes as little surprise to some analysts following figures released last week following a survey showing U.S. consumer confidence was at a five-year high.
Finally, a survey of the nation’s homebuilders shows they are feeling the best about business prospects than they have in many years.
The National Association of Homebuilders monthly sentiment survey shows confidence this month is at its highest level in nearly eight years and has recorded its fourth straight gain.
“Builder confidence continues to strengthen along with rising demand for a limited supply of new and existing homes in most local markets,” said NAHB chief economist David Crowe. “However, this positive momentum is being slowed by the ongoing headwinds of tight credit and low supplies of finished lots and labor.”
More Fleet Management

What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets
Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.
Read More →
New C.H. Robinson Tool Opens Door to More Predictable Freight
BidBoardX lets carriers search, bid on, and secure committed freight opportunities through a single digital marketplace.
Read More →
New York City's Microhub Project is Delivering Results
Trucking, last-mile delivery companies, and environmental advocates like what they are seeing so far with New York's microhub program.
Read More →
Why Truck Detention Keeps Costing Fleets Time and Money
A 2024 ATRI study found detention affects nearly 40% of truckload stops and costs the industry more than $15 billion annually. Despite the toll on drivers, fleets, and supply chains, the problem remains stubbornly persistent.
Read More →
Time is Running Out to Apply for Exclusive HDT Event
Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange brings fleet managers and suppliers together for the deeper conversations that lead to ideas, partnerships, and solutions. Time is running out to apply for the September event.
Read More →
Amazon Launches Less-Than-Truckload Freight Offering for All Businesses
This launch is the latest addition to Amazon Supply Chain Services, a portfolio of supply chain capabilities from Amazon, including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping.
Read More →
Import Cargo Volume to See Year-Over-Year Gain Again in June, Then Remain Below 2025 Levels Into Fall
After July, the report predicts a weakening in import volume as consumer uncertainty remains high and the impact of increasing inflation takes its toll.
Read More →
AUCTION OF EQUITY INTEREST IN HEAVY HAUL TRUCKING COMPANY!!
Mark your calendar: June 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m. PDT). A 37.5% ownership interest in MagnaTrans, LLC, a California limited liability company doing business as Magna Transportation Group, will be sold in an in-person and online auction to the highest bidder or bidders under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Rancho Cucamonga-based heavy haul and over-dimensional trucking company operates across California, Oregon, and Arizona.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks Adds Unattended Over-the-Air Software Update Capabilities
The latest evolution of Volvo’s over-the-air update technology allows software updates to run while trucks are parked, helping fleets keep vehicles current without disrupting operations.
Read More →How Waste Connections is Using Data, Telematics, and AI
How do you manage and maintain more than 18,000 connected trucks? Data. Lots of it.
Read More →

