Fed ‘Beige Book’ Reveals Some Growth, Cooling Trucking Demand

conomic activity continued to expand in late August through early October, but there were signs of deceleration in some districts, the Federal Reserve said Thursday in its latest “Beige Book” report.

Since the Fed’s last report, trucking firms in the Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta and Dallas districts have reported declining freight volumes, though the Dallas district posted an increase in cargo shipping and Atlanta reported a steady increase in intermodal volume.

Conversely, the report said trucking volume was up slightly in the Chicago district and that freight transportation companies in the St. Louis district are planning expansions.

Heavy-duty truck production in the Chicago district also remained strong.

The latest Beige Book, based on anecdotal interviews, was prepared by Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, based on information collected in the 12 Fed districts from Aug. 29 through Oct. 1.

The Beige Book is published eight times a year, roughly two weeks before the Fed’s next rate meeting. The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 25.