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The decline in surface transportation trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico slowed in November from a year ago compared with October figures, the Department of Transportation said Thursday.

Arkansas Best Corp. said Thursday it lost $88.7 million, or $3.54 per share, in the fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $11 million, or 44 cents, a year earlier.

Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it posted its first profit in four year, earning $2.7 billion and ending three straight annual losses.

Durable goods orders increased in December, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Kansas City Southern said Thursday it earned $32 million, 33 cents a share, in its fourth quarter, compared with $36.4 million, or 40 cents, the previous year.

Truckload carrier Knight Transportation’s fourth-quarter profit fell 18.6% to $13.1 million, or 16 cents a share, compared with $16.1 million, or 19 cents, a year ago.

New home sales fell 7.6% in December, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

Michigan lawmakers have proposed a 6-cent increase in the state’s diesel tax to help pay for road improvements, the Associated Press reported.

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