April trailer orders rose 3% from 2009 levels, and the backlog at trailer factories working to fill those orders rose to its highest level in 20 months as demand for equipment continued to exceed build rates, ACT Research Co. reported.

Logistics firm Pacer International has appointed Val Noel to oversee its intermodal operations temporarily after one of the company’s executives leaves in July.

The Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association named Jeff Sims to succeed Richard Bowling as the group’s president, effective July 1.

Infrastructure projects boost productivity and economic activity when countries need it most. Canadian governments have been increasingly comfortable executing new investments that merge private enterprise with the public sector.

Florida East Coast Railway said that longtime trucking and transportation executive James Hertwig will become its chief executive officer, effective July 1.

Logistics firm Expeditors International of Washington said airfreight tonnage has risen 40% in the first three months of 2010 compared to last year, the Associated Press reported.

U.S. consumer confidence increased this month, according to the latest Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

Consumer confidence grew this month to its highest level since March 2008, the New York-based Conference Board reported.