Logistics

U.S. consumer confidence fell this month, but was higher than previously estimated, according to the latest Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday. 

Intermodal rail traffic rose 15.1% last week from the same week a year ago, the Association of American Railroads said.

Norfolk Southern Corp. reported that its first-quarter profit rose 45% from a year ago.

Canadian freight railroad Canadian Pacific’s first-quarter net income jumped 74% to C$99.8 million, or 59 cents per share, from C$57.3 million, or 36 cents, a year earlier.

Kansas City Southern said it earned $32.6 million, or 34 cents a share, in its first quarter, compared with a loss of $8.1 million, or 9 cents, the previous year.

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

Union Pacific Corp. said Thursday its first-quarter profit jumped 43% from a year ago as volumes increased.

Forward Air Corp. reported a first-quarter profit of $3.4 million, or 12 cents per share, compared with a loss of $3.1 million, or 11 cents, a year ago.

Logistics, intermodal and brokerage firm Hub Group’s first-quarter profit grew to $8.7 million, or 23 cents a share, from $6.2 million, or 17 cents, a year ago.

U.S. consumer confidence held fell this month to its lowest level in five months, according to the latest Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.