Chicago Manufacturing Index Improves

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

ISM-Chicago’s monthly index climbed to a reading of 56.1, the highest level since August 2008, from 54.2 in October. Figures lower than 50 signal contraction, while above that signal growth.

Economists had expected the index to fall to a reading of 53, Bloomberg reported.

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