Higher delivery costs might be a driving factor to accelerating inflation! A shortage of drivers, new regulations (see February 2017 article on ELD’s), and solid demand are driving up rates. Combine this with higher materials cost, there is immense pressure on goods producers to seek relief from their customers.
Recent history had wage gains that matched the rate of inflation. However, companies today are growing more desperate to find drivers to meet demand. With that trend, we will see the higher costs associated with finding those drivers will be passed along to the consumer.