Decline in 2008 container traffic at large U.S. ports

Source: National Retail Foundation

WHAT IT MEANS: The slowing U.S. economy is giving some of the most overcongested ports a bit of a breather. June container shipments were down more than 10% from a year ago, according to the NRF's monthly PortTracker report.

Amount of trade with Mexico that moves by truck

Source: FMCSA

WHAT IT MEANS: In extending its cross-border trucking pilot program through 2010 the FMCSA said: "At a time of surging goods exports, we could hardly choose a worse time to turn our back on open trade and investment."

Baltic Dry Index reading on Aug. 14

Source: Baltic Exchange

WHAT IT MEANS: That's a long slide from the 11,100 reading two months prior. As import demand in the U.S. slows and Chinese factories closed for the Olympics, demand for bulk freight ships plunged.