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Business inventories rose 0.7% in October, and sales increased 0.5%, the Commerce Department reported Dec 12.

Economists had forecast inventories to rise 0.3%, Bloomberg News reported.

The gain in inventories indicates businesses anticipated a healthy holiday shopping season, according to the Associated Press.

Retailer inventories rose 0.8% after a 1% increase the prior month, Commerce said.

When sales are growing, trucking usually faces additional demand to deliver goods and restock shelves.