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Manufacturing activity in the New York region contracted in October for a fifth straight month, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Monday.

Strong pricing and lower fuel costs should help nearly all publicly traded fleets to report improved profits for an eighth-consecutive quarter, as third-quarter earnings reports roll in over the next several weeks.

A surge in tank truck business, spurred by oil and shale gas drilling, is fueling an “incredibly hot” market for tank trailers to haul crude oil, sand and related products, industry officials said.

Truckers from Indiana brought seven truckloads of hay to Texas last week in an effort to help the state’s agriculture industry through one of the worst droughts in its history.

Refrigerated carrier C.R. England Inc. said it was introducing its first trucks that run on liquefied natural gas, to be operated out of its Ontario, Calif., dedicated operation division.

Pilot Flying J said it plans to offer Shorepower Technologies truck stop electrification products at five truck stops in California and one in Texas.

OnAsset Intelligence said it has enhanced its Vision Software product, a software-as-a-service offering that provides shippers with the location and condition of their freight.

Verisk Analytics last week announced the launch of IRONwatch, a wireless tracking and recovery device for mobile heavy equipment with no monthly fees.

Electronic payment firms First Data Corp. and Transportation Clearing House LLC have announced plans to create a joint venture company.

Truckload carrier Celadon Group last week said it had purchased a 6.29% stake in truckload fleet USA Truck, but did not comment on its plans beyond saying it was “a potentially attractive investment.”