Union Pacific (UNP) shares, first discussed here on March 27, 2009 at a price of $43, rose this winter to within roughly 50 cents of major, psychological resistance at $100, and if you haven't already, now may be a good time to consider taking some profits.

However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position, but keep in mind that the journey to $120 probably will not be completed in 2011.

Many macro-factors are running in UNP's favor. Union's revenue will likely increase an impressive 15-20% in 2010, with a better than 7% volume rise, on rising intermodal, industrial, and chemical transportation demand; 2011 revenue should advance 10-12%

"TAL International (TAL) is one of the worlds largest lessor of containers; its annual dividend of $1.60 provides a current yield of 5.3%," says income specialist Amy Calistri.

The editor of The Daily Paycheck explains, "In today's global economy, roughly 90% of non-bulk cargo is transported by container ships. Interestingly enough, most shipping lines don't own the actual containers; they lease them.

"This wasn't necessarily the type of stock you wanted to be in when the global economy ground to a halt. But as the world's economies and trade improve, this is one company that benefits first.

If you held on to your Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) shares, first discussed here on March 27, 2009, at a price of $43, during its summer doldrums, you're being rewarded, as the shares have powered ahead, taking out $80 and $90 resistance.

In fact, if you bought at/near the $48.62 price, now may be a good time to consider taking some profits off the table with UNP. However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can retain their full position and go for a possible greater gain.

I'd also raise the sell/stop loss to $76 from $43.

Railway company CSX (CSX) shares are up for the year. Even though the chart may look choppy, the stock is up nearly 35% year-to-date. Tuesday, it closed at a price of $57.26. After the bell, the company, which competes with such companies as Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Union Pacific (UNP), released third-quarter earnings were, and investors thought enough of them to give the company a bid in the extended session.

According to theflyonthewall, earnings per share of $1.08 beat the market's estimate by four pennies. That $1.08 figure was, as the corporate press release states, 48% higher than the year-ago income level.

It's been a trying summer for many Americans, with a job market that's underperforming, and a listless Dow that's exhibited sideways action for three months, but there has been one encouraging trend of late: gasoline prices.

Although at an average U.S. price of $2.70 per gallon for regular unleaded and about 4% higher than last Labor Day, 'the trend has been the motorist's friend,' as they say on Wall Street, with prices moving lower, with a few hiccups, essentially since spring. In early May, the average price for unleaded regular hit $2.78 per gallon.

CSX Corporation (CSX) isn't partaking in this afternoon's bullish sentiment on Wall Street. It's too bad, because the railways latest earnings report would seem to be the type that would spur some buying. The market can fool you, though;that's why it's hard to be a trader, especially in such volatile times.

The selling I'm seeing feels more severe than is necessary, but you have to wonder what others are expecting from the company in the near-term future. Perhaps those on the bearish side of the aisle know something we don't, as they say. Still, if we are eventually to come out of this rough time (which we will), than buying on dips can be a useful strategy, even if it involves suffering through a period of pain.

It is a political science axiom that 'where you stand often depends on where you sit.' A key OPEC official made the case that current oil prices are "comfortable."

Abdalla El-Badri, OPEC's secretary general, told reporters ahead of a meeting with European Union officials, "I don't see any change in production, I don't see any meeting coming before the set up meeting in October," marketwatch.com reported Monday.

Oil fell 57 cents to $78.29 per barrel in Monday afternoon trading.

The shares of truck manufacturer Paccar Inc. (PCAR), first discussed on July 6, 2009 at a price of $30.81, dipped after soaring to about $49 earlier this spring, but just view the pull-back as a chance to scoop-up shares at a decent price. Here's why:

Look for Paccar's revenue to increase about 11-13% 2010 as economies in North America, Europe, and in emerging markets continue to recover. The Europe region's debt problems will likely weigh on commercial conditions, near-term, but so far it does not appear that the region will fall into a double-dip recession.

Warren Buffett likes the rails, and they've been favored in these circles, too, for a long time. And one standout, Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP), first discussed here on May 1, 2009 at a price of $37.47, is just about to leave the station.

CP should register an impressive 8-11% revenue increase in 2010. Margins should increase. Further, the long-term trend looks just as good: the global upturn, albeit with fits-and-starts, in commodity shipments (potash, coal) will continue, and look for the pace to quicken in 2011. Meanwhile, increases in CP's railroad efficiency add to the positive story.

It is a sign of the times: cash-strapped states and other local jurisdictions are paring-back programs, in an effort to close budget deficits.

And amid this protracted revenue downturn, programs previously thought to be immune or insulated from cuts -- such as mass transit commuter rail, subway, and bus services -- are finding that their once exempt status no longer applies.

Alcoa Inc. (AA) kicked off the earnings season Monday when it reported its first quarter results, and on Tuesday, after the market closes, rail carrier CSX Corp. (CSX) will get its chance to impress Wall Street when it reports its Q1 results.

Heading into today's report, analysts have forecast earnings of 69 cents per share. During the same period last year the company earned 62 cents.

Up more than 80% since first discussed in this space on April 13, 2009, at a price of $50.98, it's perfectly acceptable to take some profits off the table with FedEx Corporation (FDX).

However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can go for additional gains, which are likely ahead with FDX.

The summer season is almost upon us. If you have ever lived in or near New York City, you know that traffic to New Jersey or the Hamptons is all but impossible. Some commute 8 to 10 hours a day to and from work.

Those who have the big bucks fly. For $200, Liberty Helicopters can fly you from 30th street Pier 6 to Port Mammouth, New Jersey. Similar flights go to Long Island.

Readers of this space know that the investment tack preferred here tilts toward demonstrated business models. But every once in a while, an exception is made, Westport Innovations (WPRT) is one, and is worth a review.

Note: I consider Westport to be a high-risk stock not suitable for low-risk/moderate-risk investors.

Westport is hoping is it on the cutting edge of a structural change in transportation fuel use. Already common as a fuel for home heat, electric power generation, and for commercial use, natural gas' next hurdle -- perhaps its biggest hurdle -- concerns its use as a vehicle fuel. True, we're seeing more and more natural gas buses on America's roads, but that's just a smidgen of vehicle fuel consumption.

The logic and reasoning behind the July 6, 2009, Oshkosh Corporation (OSK) buy call at $21.48 is obvious enough: a nice U.S. Department of Defense contract win, and that's also a major reason I'm reiterating my buy rating for the company's shares. If you bought OSK in July 2009, you're up an impressive 80%.

In 2009, the company won two contracts totaling $2.1 billion work from the U.S. Army to fund production of 3,944 MRAP all-terrain vehicles for the Afghanistan War.