Consumer confidence decreased this month, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.

Canada National Railway Co. reported lower first-quarter earnings and Canadian Pacific Railway Co. reported a rise.

Kansas City Southern on Tuesday reported its first-quarter earnings rose to $75 million, or 68 cents a share, from $64 million, or 58 cents, the previous year.

Canada’s two biggest freight railroads reported higher earnings for the first quarter.

Forward Air Corp.’s first-quarter net income rose to $10.3 million, or 35 cents a share, from $7.9 million, or 27 cents, a year ago.

Hub Group said its first-quarter income jumped 30% on higher intermodal and logistics revenue.

Union Pacific Corp. said Thursday its first-quarter profit rose 35%, boosted by higher intermodal revenue.

About 33% of motor carriers used freight brokers in February to obtain higher-priced freight, a study from Transport Capital Partners said. During the same month in 2011, about 11% trucking companies turned to brokers.

CSX Corp. on Tuesday said its first-quarter earnings rose on higher volume, pricing gains and fuel recovery.