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Manufacturing activity levels in the Chicago region declined this month but continued to show expansion this month, the Institute for Supply Chain Management-Chicago said Wednesday.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Trucking industry executives and drivers who testified at an hours-of-service “listening” session held by federal trucking regulators at the Mid-America Trucking Show here said the current rule does not give drivers the flexibility to take a nap when they become fatigued.

The White House Office of Management and Budget approved a proposed ban on texting by commercial drivers Monday, sending the regulation on to be published in the Federal Register.

Surface transportation trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico rose 19.5% in January from a year ago, the highest gain in almost 10 years, the Department of Transportation said Tuesday.

The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has increased registration fees to up $2,600 for large motor carriers that carry hazardous materials, American Trucking Associations said.

Consumer confidence grew this month after falling last month to the lowest level since April 2009, the New York-based Conference Board reported.

Air and freight forwarder UTi Worldwide reported a profit for its fourth quarter, compared with a  loss a year earlier.

Two fleets said they are installing equipment intended to reduce drag and cut fuel consumption.