Universal Truckload Services’ first-quarter profit rose to $2.1 million, or 13 cents per share, from $100,000, or 1 cent, a year ago.

Manufacturing activity levels in the Chicago region expanded in April at the fastest pace in five years, the Institute for Supply Chain Management-Chicago said Friday.

Any commercial carrier accident involving personal injury or property damage has lawsuit potential, and the public is usually quick to blame the truck driver.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. said it has acquired three companies that offer a variety of transportation services, continuing the company’s plan to grow through acquisitions.

Universal Truckload Services said its third-quarter net income plunged 68.6% to $1.7 million, or 11 cents per share, from $5.4 million, 34 cents, a year ago.