Trailer orders inched up 1.8% in September from a year ago to 16,990, ACT Research reported, and manufacturers said they expect order intake to continue growing in the final months of the year.

The makers of aerodynamic add-ons for truck trailers are focused on more than just improving fuel economy. They also must cut down fleets’ maintenance costs so fuel savings are not eaten up in the repair shop, manufacturers and carrier executives have said.

Kansas City Southern’s third-quarter income fell to $91 million, or 83 cents a share, from $100 million, or 91 cents, a year ago.

Two of the largest U.S. freight railroads reported third-quarter results, with intermodal revenue rising at both companies.

Component maker Meritor Inc. said Wednesday that Wabash National has selected Meritor trailer axles to be standard equipment on all Wabash trailers.

Trailer orders rose 15% in August from a year earlier, ACT Research reported, reversing a recent pattern of decline and fueling hope that the traditionally strong fourth quarter order pace will occur again this year.

Orders for new trailers rose a slight 0.2% in July from a year earlier to 13,339, ACT Research reported.

Truck and trailer parts supplier FleetPride Inc. , said it has acquired Great Lakes Truck & Trailer, Westlake, Mich., for an undisclosed sum.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Thermo King said it will offer a new line of trailer transport refrigeration units in January that took $60 million and three years to develop.