New orders for manufactured durable goods in March increased $5 billion or 2.5 percent to $208.4 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This increase, up three consecutive months, followed a 0.7 percent February increase.


Transportation equipment, also up three consecutive months, had the largest increase, $3.1 billion or 5.9 percent to $54.7 billion.

This increased manufacturing is contributing to the increase in truck tonnage, which is up 6.3 percent a year ago from March, according to the ATA.

Shipments of goods, up five consecutive months, increased 1.8 percent, and unfilled orders, up 11 of the past 12 months, increased by 0.8 percent, or $6.6 billion. Transportation led both shipments and unfilled orders with increases of 3.3 percent and 0.8 percent respectively.

Inventories of manufactured durable goods in March, up fifteen consecutive months, increased $4.2 billion or1.3 percent to $333.9 billion. Transportation equipment, also up fifteen consecutive months, had the largest increase, $1.7 billion or 1.9 percent to $89.8 billion.

For more information: www.census.gov