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U.S. manufacturing expanded at a modest pace in September after unexpectedly shrinking a month earlier, underscoring limited progress for the battered sector.

The chairman of the subcommittee on highways in the House said he is optimistic Congress will agree on a long-term funding fix for infrastructure projects before a highway law expires in 2020.

Output at American manufacturers fell more than economists forecast in August, a sign the industry is having trouble finding its footing.

New orders for U.S. factory goods recorded their largest increase in nine months in July as demand increased broadly, an encouraging sign for the embattled manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted in August for the first time in six months, amid slumping orders and production that raise concern of renewed industrial weakness.

Factory production in the United States grew 0.5% last month, the fastest pace in a year, as mining rebounded and utility use climbed, data from the Federal Reserve showed Aug. 16 in Washington.

North American Class 8 orders fell to about 10,000 in July, the weakest level in nearly six years, analysts reported.

U.S. manufacturing expanded in July, though at a slower pace, indicating gradual improvement that could help the economy emerge from a weak first half of the year.

A group of trucking companies in Southern California will pay $5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by drivers who alleged that they were improperly treated as independent contractors, according to a court filing July 14.