Logistics

Intermodal volume in the second quarter rose 8.2%, an indication the industry is recovering from a harsh winter and a contracted economy, according to the Intermodal Association of North America.

U.S. rail intermodal traffic increased 3.3% in the week ended July 26 compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads reported.

The Senate on July 24 easily confirmed the nominations of two Transportation Department officials for senior positions.

XPO Logistics said it narrowed its second-quarter loss and announced an agreement to acquire New Breed Holding Co. for about $615 million.

Schneider said it has expanded its bulk intermodal trailer service to include new routes into Mexico and Canada.

TransForce Inc. said it will buy fellow Canadian carrier Contrans Group Inc. for about C$495 million.

Swift Transportation Co. said net income slipped 19% to $40.2 million, hurt by weaker profit margins at its dedicated and refrigerated units.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. reported second-quarter net income declined to $13.6 million, or 45 cents per share, compared with $14.2 million, or  47 cents per share, a year ago.

Union Pacific Corp.’s second-quarter net income rose 17% to $1.29 billion, or $1.43 per share, continuing a trend of profit growth reported by other railroads.