WASHINGTON — Time-sensitive delivery is here to stay, and that will change methods of freight movement, said one expert speaking at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting.

The U.S. average retail price of diesel dropped 3.5 cents to $3.013 a gallon, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Jan. 7, even as crude oil prices saw renewed vigor and broached the mark of $50 per barrel.

United Road Services has joined with The Carlyle Group and other investors to acquire Colorado-based Fleet Car Carriers.

Truckload carrier and logistics firm CFI announced plans to acquire Chicago-based Optimal Freight.

Manitoulin Transport has purchased Kluane Freight Lines Ltd.’s book of business and formed a joint venture with Chief Isaac Group of Cos., according to a Manitoulin news release.

Two motor carriers are closing out the year with pay increases for drivers, capping off a 2018 trend that saw many fleets boost compensation in order to attract and retain drivers.

Navistar International Corp. reported growth in net income, with a 39.2% increase in profit for its fiscal fourth quarter. The Lisle-Ill.-based original equipment manufacturer said 2018 was a strong year for the trucking industry and a “breakout year” for the company.

The U.S. average retail price of diesel dropped 4 cents to $3.121 a gallon, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Dec. 17, as crude oil prices dropped below $50 per barrel.