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An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector increased in December to a 10-month high, the Institute for Supply Management said Friday.

ISM’s monthly services index rose to a reading of 56.1, from 54.7 in November. Figures greater than 50 indicate expansion. Economists had forecast the index would drop t 54.1, Bloomberg reported.

Another report Friday by the Commerce Department,Ìýshowed factory orders were little changed in November at $477.6 billion from $477.4 billion the prior month.

Economists’ had forecast a 0.4% rise, Bloomberg reported.

Capital goods orders excluding aircraft and military orders, a measure of future business investment, climbed 2.6% following a 3% rise in October.

The trucking industry relies on factory orders and shipments for much of its business.