New orders for manufactured durable goods decreased $2.2 billion in March, or 1.3 percent to $176.7 billion. The dip follows three consecutive monthly increases, including a 1.1 percent February jump, according to the current U.S. Census Bureau report.

Excluding transportation, however, new orders increased 2.8 percent. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 1.2 percent.

Transportation equipment, down two consecutive months, had the largest decrease, $5.9 billion or 12.9 percent to $40.2 billion. This was due to nondefense aircraft and parts that decreased $6.5 billion, according to the report.

Shipments of manufactured durable goods in March were up after two consecutive monthly decreases, with an increase of $2.2 billion or 1.2 percent to $182.2 billion.

Machinery, up two consecutive months, had the largest increase, $1.0 billion or 4.3 percent, hitting $24.0 billion.

Unfilled orders for manufactured durable goods decreased $2.3 billion or 0.3 percent to $719.8 billion. This followed a 0.4 percent February increase.

Inventories of manufactured durable goods, up three consecutive months, increased $0.5 billion or 0.2 percent to $304.7 billion. This followed a 0.5 percent February increase.