The Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index (PCI) looks to be an economic indicator worth following.  The index provides a real-time measure of U.S. economic activity by monitoring trucking activity through fuel consumption across the country.  It would seem logical to assume our lumber hauling freight rates are positively correlated to the index.  After showing a decline in September, the index rebounded in October.  The November report is expected December 10th.  A visual explanation of the PCI is available here.