Kansas City Southern said it earned $32.6 million, or 34 cents a share, in its first quarter, compared with a loss of $8.1 million, or 9 cents, the previous year.

Wabash National Corp. said it has signed an agreement with refrigerated carrier Prime Inc. to supply Prime with 4,000 trailers over three years.

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.

Two fleets said they are installing equipment intended to reduce drag and cut fuel consumption.

The drive by trucking companies to become more efficient is reshaping the trailer manufacturing industry.