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PHOENIX — Trucking executives meeting here last week said they were cautiously optimistic that despite a sluggish economy and regulatory and political uncertainties, the industry was poised to emerge from the doldrums it has been in for several years.

PHOENIX — Mack Trucks Inc. and Michelin North America will continue their support of the “Share the Road” highway safety education program in 2011, company officials announced.

The top “take-aways” from the 2010 Management Conference & Exhibition last week seemed to be: Things are better than they were; things are not as good as they could be; and things are going to get even better.

Every day, we hear on the radio, TV and various websites that the American people are angry about the economy, job losses and the high unemployment rate in this country.

Ryder System said Thursday its third-quarter profit rose 62% on stronger demand for commercial truck rentals and used vehicles.

Initial jobless claims fell by 23,000 last week, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Manufacturing levels in the Philadelphia region expanded in October for the first time in three months, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

An index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3% in September, the third consecutive increase, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter net income jumped 96%, due in part to strong sales in developing countries.