Though the Federal Reserve is expressing cautious optimism that the U.S. economy may be stabilizing, albeit at a weak level, many observers within trucking feel the recession hasn't yet reached a firm bottom.

Data released this week by the Fed in its monthly "Beige Book" indicates that while overall economic activity contracted further or remained weak, five of its 12 bank districts noted a moderation in the pace of decline – and several saw signs that activity in some sectors was stabilizing at a low level.

That being said, trucking industry experts contend that most other U.S. economic indicators remain decidedly negative. "I think it is much too early to call a bottom," Bob Costello, chief economist for the American Trucking Assns. told FleetOwner. "The Fed even said [the U.S.] economy is still declining – just at a slower pace."

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