Business Inventories Rise 0.3%
Business inventories rose 0.3% in September, and sales were flat, the Commerce Department reported Nov. 14.
The rise in inventories follows a 0.1% increase in August. The flat sales follow a 0.5% decline the prior month.
The weakness in sales may have made businesses more cautious about restocking their shelves until they see more evidence of rising demand. When companies add goods to their stockpiles, it typically reflects optimism about future demand, the Associated Press reported.
Retail inventories declined 0.2% in September, and stockpiles held by manufacturers increased 0.1%, according to AP.
When sales are growing, trucking usually faces additional demand to deliver goods.
