Chicago Manufacturing Index Improves

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

ISM-Chicago’s monthly index climbed to a reading of 54.2, the highest level in 13 months, from 46.1 in September. Figures lower than 50 signal contraction, while above that signal growth.

Economists had expected the index to rise to a reading of 49, Bloomberg reported.

Chicago is a major center of U.S. manufacturing, which is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.