Business

Evans Distribution Systems, a third-party logistics operator, is adding new facilities in Lenexa, Kan., Houston and Memphis, Tenn.

Two operating companies of Con-way Inc. announced significant deals in late March. Logistics provider Menlo Worldwide has deepened its work for truck maker Navistar Inc., and less-than-truckload carrier Con-way Freight has added a service for TNT N.V.’s U.S.-European shipping.

It’s wise not to get too giddy, but it definitely appears things are improving for the economy — and for trucking.

Logistics provider AutoInfo Inc. said it earned $1.4 million, or 4 cents per share, in 2009, compared with $2.2 million, or 7 cents, the previous year.

I recently had the opportunity to make an informal survey on in-cab distractions. I have been restoring an old Willys Utility Wagon, and I wanted to see if I could find a couple of leather bucket seats for it. I went to a local junkyard, and they told me to walk around and look in the vehicles and see if I could find a pair that I liked.

A few fleets are starting to raise driver pay, as freight demand and the need for more drivers increase this spring, reversing the pattern of the past couple of years that kept wages steady or reduced them, the National Transportation Institute said.

The U.S. House re-passed its version of Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization legislation on March 25, which included a provision that would allow employees of FedEx Corp.’s Express unit to organize more easily.

Trailer orders in February reached the highest level in two years, fueling manufacturers’ hopes that their business momentum is improving after 2009 production sank to a 34-year low, industry officials said.

The Obama administration announced last week it intended to allow more drilling for oil off the U.S. coastline, but several industry and business groups said the proposal did not go far enough.

Brokers are facing a number of critical new challenges as the economy recovers and government intervention threatens the business environment, industry experts said.