Manufacturers of flatbed trailers say they are increasing production and rolling out new models to help haulers meet their customers’ rising demands as business picks up following the prolonged economic recession.

A 9% surge in domestic container shipping, fueled by growth in the eastern United States, led to 2.4% overall growth in intermodal shipping during the second quarter, according to a new report.

Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate last week would make illegal the interstate transportation of horses in double-decker trailers.

Swift Transportation Co. said it has acquired privately held carrier Central Refrigerated for $225 million.

EZE Trucking, Rialto, Calif., said it has acquired Rig Runners Inc., a Houston-based heavy-haul trucking and logistics company.

C.H. Robinson Worldwide said its second-quarter net income fell slightly from a year ago, but revenue improved.

Intermodal container volume rose 2.4% to 3.8 million units in the second quarter from a year ago, the Intermodal Association of North America said.

Expeditors International of Washington said Tuesday its second-quarter profit rose 10% from a year ago on increased airfreight services revenue.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) has introduced legislation that would extend until 2020 a federal statutory deadline that freight railroads install collision-avoidance technology.