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GRAPEVINE, Texas — Transportation economist Donald Broughton said that the U.S. and trucking are in the early stages of a long, sustained, robust economic recovery as the country comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WASHINGTON — Prices for U.S. consumers rose last month but at the slowest pace since February, a sign that Americans may gain some relief after four months of sharp increases that have imposed a financial burden on the nation’s households.

Economic indicators and forecasts from economists show trucking and the U.S. economy are in the midst of a strong recovery, though concerns remain about the persistent shortage of drivers and supply chain delays.

The U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.4% rate in the first three months of the year, setting the stage for what economists believe may be the strongest year for the economy in about seven decades.

U.S. job growth unexpectedly softened in April from the prior month, suggesting that difficulty attracting workers is slowing momentum in the labor market.

WASHINGTON — Powered by consumers, the U.S. economy grew at a brisk 6.4% annual rate last quarter — a show of strength fueled by government aid and declining viral cases that could drive further gains as the nation rebounds with unusual speed from the pandemic recession.

The velocity of the U.S. economy’s post-pandemic rebound hinges on more than just an increasingly capable consumer, and business spending appears poised to deliver its own boost.

The U.S. economy is poised for a strong recovery in the third quarter, provided the number of people being given the COVID-19 vaccine significantly improves and Congress and the White House reach a COVID relief package.

The U.S. economy is projected to grow at a robust 4.6% annual rate this year, but employment isn’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, the Congressional Budget Office said Feb. 1.

2021 welcomes a new administration and offers a new climate in which to negotiate freight hauling, but it must also contend with some of 2020's ailments, including a continuing pandemic and the wildly disparate performance of different business sectors. ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello joins TT's Dan Ronan to discuss this interesting economic moment and what it means for the trucking industry.