Net U.S. trailer orders in November exceeded expectations for the second consecutive month, rising to the third-highest monthly total on record, research firm FTR reported.

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. enhanced its offer to acquire Norfolk Southern Corp. by at least 10% and signaled a proxy fight for the U.S. carrier would start in February if there are no talks beforehand.

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.’s bid to merge with Norfolk Southern Corp. has raised concerns among Democratic lawmakers from Illinois, who sent a letter to regulators urging them to consider potential negative impacts on the Chicago rail hub.

The shipping industry’s most-watched measure of rates for hauling commodities plunged to a fresh record amid a persisting glut of ships and speculation weakening Chinese steel output could translate into declining imports of iron ore to make the alloy.

The holiday shipping season is in overdrive now, with the next two Mondays expected to be among the busiest of the year.

Optimism among chief financial officers about the U.S. economy dimmed in the second half of this year, helping explain why companies plan to temper spending on equipment and hold more cash in 2016.

A sharper decline in U.S. railroad cargo this quarter points to weak spots in the economy as a strong dollar crimps exports, retailers whittle down excess inventory and energy investment stalls.