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WASHINGTON — Several senators introduced legislation last week that would offer incentives to states that ban texting while driving, an issue Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said has become his cause.

Both houses of Congress  on Oct. 29 approved a second continuing resolution that would continue to fund the nation’s surface transportation programs until mid-December.

The freight recovery paused in September as American Trucking Associations’ tonnage index dipped 0.3% from the month be-fore after recording larger gains in July and August.

After several initial delays and glitches, freight hauling and government officials say the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program is moving along smoothly at U.S. ports, and they project additional security measures could be incorporated in coming years.

YRC Worldwide lost $158.7 million, or $2.67 a share, in the third quarter, compared with a loss of $720.9 million, or $12.58, a year ago.

Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. said Friday its third-quarter profit fell 59% due to sharply lower demand for its engines and other products.

U.S. consumer confidence declined this month, according to the final Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago region showed expansion in October, the Institute for Supply Chain Management-Chicago said Friday.

U.S. intermodal rail traffic fell 10.1% in the week ended Saturday compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads said.

Consumer personal spending dropped in September for the first time in five months, the Commerce Department said Friday.