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May 24, 2006 12:15 PM, EDT

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ew home sales rose 4.9% in April to the highest levels recorded this year, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

The rise to a 1.198 million annual rate from a revised March rate of 1.142 million surpassed the expected decline to a 1.135 million pace.

Rising home sales can mean more business for flatbed trucking companies that haul building materials and dry van freight that haul household appliances and furniture.

New home sales — which account for about 15% of residential real estate sales — rose in three of four national regions, Commerce said.