SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Accelerated retirements, an aging workforce, a decadeslong declining birthrate and low unemployment rate continue to cause challenges for the trucking industry as it seeks to overcome the 80,000-plus driver shortage.

China appears to be gradually easing its lockdown of Shanghai, but that won’t bring immediate relief to global supply chain congestion, according to a major shipping company.

Ryder System Inc. opened a facility in Caldwell, Idaho, as part of a strategic expansion of its last-mile network, the company announced May 17.

Home Depot’s first-quarter sales improved despite a slow spring start, and the home improvement chain raised its full-year guidance.

U.S. retail sales grew at a solid pace in April, reflecting broad-based gains and suggesting demand for merchandise remains resilient despite rampant inflation.

CLEVELAND — More than 1.6 million tons of cargo ship carrying capacity was delayed for 28 days due to ice conditions on Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and in Green Bay. A lack of Coast Guard icebreakers hampered efforts to meet the needs of commerce.

XPO Logistics Inc. is considering a sale of its freight-forwarding unit as it continues to pursue divestitures, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Bill Gates sold about $940 million of Canadian National Railway Co. shares, trimming one of the largest holdings of the investment firm that controls his $117 billion personal fortune.

Ryder System Inc. on May 13 confirmed receipt of a $4.4 billion offer to be acquired by HG Vora Capital Management, a proposal that Wall Street analysts said reflects the high value the potential buyer sees in the leasing company’s business.

After reporting a first-quarter loss of more than $8.9 million May 5, U.S. Xpress Enterprises confirmed May 12 it laid off about 70 of its corporate and information technology staff in response to less-than-anticipated growth in the company’s trucking business.