The latest economic recession was brief … at least by the numbers. The U.S. Commerce Department this morning reported the gross domestic product in the fourth quarter of the year increased at a 1.7% annual rate.
This measure of the total output of the nation’s goods and services has been revised twice. First it was reported to be 0.2% and just a month ago was revised to 1.4%.
“Such large upward revisions typically occur only when economic growth has suddenly turned much higher, making the early estimates well short of the actual data as it is eventually reported,” says Newport Communications Senior Economist Jim Haughey.
News of a fourth quarter increase compares to a GDP that contracted at a 1.3% annual rate in the third quarter, while barely posting a positive return in the second quarter and a slightly better number for the first three months of 2001.
Haughey says the latest revision raised consumption slightly, boosted exports and reduced imports.
“This means that January began well above the October-December average level, assuring strong growth in the current quarter. How strong depends on how much of the quarter's demand was filled from inventory. Forecasts now range from about 2.5% to over 4%."
Also helping to drive the latest GDP number was a 6.1% increase in consumer spending, which has largely gotten credit for keeping the economy from slowing any further than it has.
The positive news about the GDP follows other positive economic news this week. On Thursday the U.S. Commerce Department reported new homes sales in February increased 5.3%, the fourth increase in the past five months, although total sales were below the pace from a year earlier.
4th Quarter GDP Revised Upward
The latest economic recession was brief … at least by the numbers. The U.S. Commerce Department this morning reported the gross domestic product in the fourth quarter of the year increased at a 1.7% annual rate
More Fleet Management

Deadline Extended for HDT Truck Fleet Innovators Nominations
Heavy Duty Trucking has extended the deadline for nominations for its Truck Fleet Innovators awards. The deadline has been extended to May 22.
Read More →
Supreme Court Ruling Puts Freight Broker Vetting Practices in Spotlight
The unanimous SCOTUS ruling in the closely watched Montgomery v. Caribe case allows state negligence claims against freight brokers that hire unsafe motor carriers, raising new liability and vetting concerns among brokers.
Read More →
FMCSA’s Motus System Is Coming. What Fleets Need to Know Now
FMCSA's long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls. And there are steps you need to take by May 14.
Read More →
Fleet Advantage: Fleets Embrace Generative AI, but Data Problems Limit Operational Gains
New Fleet Advantage research shows generative AI adoption has exploded among private fleets. But poor data integration and weak ROI tracking are preventing fleets from unlocking AI’s full operational and financial value.
Read More →
How Phillips Connect Helped Nussbaum Transportation Double its Trailer Life
Seven years into deploying Phillips Connect’s smart trailer platform, Nussbaum Transportation has extended trailer life from 10 to 15 years.
Read More →Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation
How a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Avoid Equipment Blind Spots in Disaster Response
When the unexpected happens, how you react to, and deal with operational blind spots is critical. Here’s how to keep you recovery on track, when nothing is normal.
Read More →
AI Security Risks for Trucking Fleets: What to Know About Deepfakes and Agentic AI
As fleets adopt artificial intelligence for routing, maintenance, and load matching, new security risks are emerging. Learn where the vulnerabilities are and how to put the right controls in place.
Read More →
Cargo Theft Incidents Fall in Q1, but Organized Crime and Impersonation Drive New Risks
CargoNet reports fewer supply chain crime events to start 2026. But losses hold steady as organized crime shifts tactics toward impersonation schemes and high-value goods.
Read More →
New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems
Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.
Read More →
