Business

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly declined last week to the lowest level since mid-April, signaling labor market stability amid a shaky global economy.

Greenbrier Cos. reported earnings of $35.4 million, or $1.12 per share, in the fiscal third quarter ended May 31, a 17.4% drop from the $42.8 million, or $1.33, in the prior year period.

North American orders for Class 8 trucks in June fell to the lowest point in nearly six years, ACT Research Co. reported.

Volkswagen AG’s recent legal settlement with states, territories and tribes for cheating on pollution tests requires it to pay $2.7 billion into an “environmental remediation fund" aimed at cleaning up the damage its cars have done, which could mean grants for new school buses, upgraded port facilities and cleaner tractor-trailers.

A privately held Ohio-based supply chain and warehouse automation company will be purchased for $1.5 billion.

The U.S. trade deficit widened in May by the most in nearly a year as exports fell and a pickup in domestic demand led to more imports of consumer goods and industrial materials.

American service providers expanded in June at the fastest pace in seven months on stronger orders and sales that signal a healthy U.S. economy.

Driver turnover declined in the first quarter because a softer freight economy limited shipment volumes and reduced the incentives for drivers to switch to a new employer, American Trucking Associations reported.

The U.S. average retail diesel price slipped 0.3 cent to $2.423, the Department of Energy said as the price of crude oil continued to wobble below $50 a barrel.

After dropping by 25% from 2005 to 2014, traffic fatalities in the United States rose 7.7% last year, according to preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fatal crashes involving large trucks were up 4%.