Durable Orders Rise 2.2% in February

Durable goods orders increased 2.2% in February, the fourth gain in five months, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

The increase followed a revised 3.6% drop in January that was smaller than previously reported, Commerce said.

Economists had expected a 3% gain in February, Bloomberg reported.

Excluding volatile transportation orders, bookings for goods meant to last several years rose 1.6%, Commerce said.

Durable goods include large items like refrigerators and air conditioners. Trucking is a major beneficiary of durable goods manufacturing, hauling both components and finished goods.