Business

U.S. retail sales fell in May for the first time in five months, restrained by a plunge in vehicle purchases and other big-ticket items, suggesting moderating demand for goods amid decades-high inflation.

CHICAGO — Trucking and logistics leaders said their companies’ investments in technology and more flexible service offerings have paid dividends during the supply chain turbulence of the past few years.

A wave of new oil refining capacity that’s coming on stream won’t be enough to solve a global shortage of diesel, jet fuel and similar petroleum products.

Major railroads, including Union Pacific Corp. and BNSF Railway Co., and their unions remain at an impasse after a government board ended efforts to mediate a settlement, a move that will likely force President Joe Biden’s administration to intervene and prevent a strike that could cripple an already-strained U.S. supply chain.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to amend agency regulations to require that interstate transporters of hemp carry a variety of shipping documents to avoid law enforcement uncertainties.

U.S. trailer orders in May fell to the lowest point this year as they just cleared 18,000.

DETROIT — Tesla reported 273 crashes involving partially automated driver-assist systems, according to statistics about the industry released by U.S. safety regulators on June 15.

Oregon officials are reminding some owners of medium- and heavy-duty trucks using engines made in 1996 or older to get a diesel retrofit by Jan. 1.

President Joe Biden on June 16 signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a legislative package designed to bolster the domestic shipping industry, and which drew praise from transportation and business leaders.

WASHINGTON — The trucking industry is exploring numerous cybersecurity standards as advances in technologies increase the risk of attack.