MENU
SEARCHPersonal spending in the U.S. increased 0.5% in August from the month before, according to a new Commerce Department report. However, the pace may be slower than it should be to support the continued pace of manufacturing, says one analyst.
Personal spending in the U.S. increased 0.5% in August from the month before, according to a new Commerce Department report. The hike follows a flat performance in July, while the annual rate over the previous three months has slowed from a 4.2% increase to a 3.8% gain.
Personal income in August increased 0.3% following a 0.2% improvement in July.
Both August performances were in line with expectations from many economists.
“Consumers remain under pressure amid lackluster income growth, although at least temporarily lower gas prices are helping to line consumers' pockets, and provide a floor in spending,” said Lindsey Piegza, chief economist at Sterne Agee.
“This modest pace, while still a positive contribution to growth, is far below what is needed [and] expected to absorb the elevated levels of production seen over the past few months. Already inventory to sales ratios are rising noticeably, suggesting an eventual cooling off in manufacturing activity if consumer spending is not ratcheted up significantly and soon.”
Manufacturing activity is a key indicator for freight activity.
The news follows a report from Friday that the U.S. economy expanded in the second quarter at its best pace in more than two years.
Also on Friday a monthly survey showed consumer sentiment was at its highest level in 14 months.
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of sentiment increased to 84.6, the same as the preliminary reading, from 82.5 in August.
How a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
The long-awaited registration system promises a single portal — and tighter fraud controls.
Read More →
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 →
Heavy Duty Trucking is searching for forward-looking leaders at trucking fleets as nominations for HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators 2026. Deadline is May 15.
Read More →
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 →
A modest sequential increase capped the strongest quarterly performance in years, signaling continued freight momentum in early 2026.
Read More →
More than 300 carriers across 26 states have been sent to collections as the Ohio Turnpike cracks down on toll evasion and delinquent payments.
Read More →
The American Transportation Research Institute will examine driver coaching, regulatory impacts — including the "Beyond Compliance" concept —and weather disruptions that shape trucking operations.
Read More →
