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UPS Inc. profits essentially were flat year-over-year in the third quarter, ticking down about 0.5% or $6 million as the parcel giant also announced a 4.9% rate increase effective Dec. 24 to match other less-than-truckload carriers.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a four-month high as imports rose for the first time since April, according to preliminary figures released Oct. 26 by the Commerce Department. The report also showed inventories increased at wholesalers and fell at retailers.

Forward Air Corp. had a steady third quarter with its results slightly topping analysts’ forecasts, indicating the for-hire carrier is moving at a measured pace for the year.

Drivers in 14 state highway corridors in Maryland will see their travel times cut over the next year as a result of a $50 million upgrade to traffic signals, Gov. Larry Hogan said Oct. 25.

Drone deliveries got a step closer to reality as the White House issued an order giving local governments more authority to conduct tests of the burgeoning new technology.

The state of Illinois is considering how to rehab, or possibly close, some state rest areas, and has even launched a public survey about travelers’ likes and dislikes of the interstate highway stops — drawing thousands of responses so far.

It was first about public safety. Then, modernizing city roads. Now Jacksonville, Fla., Mayor Lenny Curry says he wants to demolish the elevated ramp connecting the Hart Bridge to downtown so cargo trucks can better access the port.

Amazon.com Inc. is going to start delivering packages not just to doorsteps, but inside homes as well.

Amazon.com Inc. launched a Prime membership service for businesses, looking to replicate in the workplace the quick delivery of online orders that made it a go-to shopping destination for households.

Louisiana officials agree that the state’s roads need fixing. Beyond that, though, they can’t seem to agree on what to do about it. But they did make some progress earlier this month toward a solution when the state’s voters approved a constitutional amendment to safeguard any money raised by new gas taxes.