Trucking and rail measures show shipment counts flat and even slipping as inflation takes a toll on consumer demand
Freight demand across the U.S. is showing signs of softening heading into the peak fall shipping season, in a turnaround from the rush to restock that strained capacity and led to surging prices last year.
Freight rates are pulling back from historic highs, according to trucking-sector measures, and executives say the flood of shipments from retailers and manufacturers is flattening out and even falling in some markets as high inflation and shifting consumer buying patterns leave many companies overstocked.
