Business

U.S. retail sales picked up in March, helped by a surge in gas station receipts that masked mixed results in other large spending categories as consumers contend with decades-high inflation.

Texas will halt some vehicle inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border after a protest against Gov. Greg Abbott’s crackdown provoked protests that halted some crucial food and equipment shipments.

With negotiations expected to begin soon between the 22,000-member International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, ILWU leaders are expressing confidence that the two sides will reach an agreement — without an interruption in work — before the June 30 deadline for the current contract expiration.

March U.S. trailer orders surged to nearly 38,000 amid some supply chain relief — to the highest level since December 2020, ACT Research reported.

In an all-day virtual hearing, many of the roughly 140 parties commenting expressed support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed new rule to tighten nitrogen oxides emissions. Others, however, either viewed the effort as a lost opportunity or attacked it as an overreach.

Three states are joining forces to create a regional hub to develop and produce hydrogen that will be used as a fuel and for manufacturing feedstock.

Walmart Inc. is raising pay for its private fleet truck drivers and launching a new training program, the retailer announced April 7.

Amazon.com Inc. will charge businesses that sell products on its website a 5% fuel and inflation fee beginning April 28, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg, a first for the company.

Real economic activity in the U.S. is slowing sharply. This is showing up in lower demand for new trucks and autos, and a tailing off in freight volumes, leaving transport stocks facing more downside.

Retail Class 8 sales in March hit the high point for the year and still slipped 7.6% compared with a year earlier, Wards Intelligence reported.