With the national average diesel price falling below $2 per gallon, truckload rates on the spot market continued on a downward trend. Freight brokers usually quote a one-time price that includes both a line-haul portion and the fuel surcharge; declining fuel prices influence spot market rates significantly.

The last decade has been a golden one for shipping goods around the world's biggest economy, and American railways have been a rare example of capitalism working well, with a virtuous cycle of demand, giant profits, and vast investment in rolling stock and tracks.

Food manufacturers across the globe have admitted failing to put in place basic safeguards to protect vulnerable workers in their supply chains - almost one year on from laws to stop slavery, child labor and unethical working practices.