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The most recent bits of news about business conditions and the economy suggest that, while we can’t be sure we’re out of the woods yet, the most dire predictions of a double-dip recession a couple of months ago apparently were too pessimistic.

Consumer confidence dropped in October to its lowest level since March 2009, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.

The first Mexican truck crossed the United States border Friday as part of the cross-border trucking pilot program between the countries, the Associated Press reported.

California environmental regulators have approved a slate of amendments to fine-tune the state’s transport refrigerated unit rule, but denied a request by industry stakeholders to push back compliance deadlines by extending the useful life of the units from seven to nine years.

Nextran Corp. has purchased Premier Truck Centers, with locations in Birmingham, Tuscumbia and Madison, Ala. Terms were not released.

I own a small motor carrier and drive as well. In the past 38 years, I have driven trucks all across the United States, both regional and cross country, and I am reaching the end of my career with more than 3 million safe miles covered.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has announced that a $13.9 million contract has been awarded for repairs to the closed Ohio River bridge that carries Interstate 64 traffic between southern Indiana and Louisville, Ky.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Most trucking companies are currently doing better than the U.S. economy as a whole, and that should continue because a second, or double-dip, recession is unlikely, a panel of economists said.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Fleets should prepare to bring the same zest to future challenges that they have used to overcome the struggling economy, fuel prices and government regulations in recent years, four industry leaders said.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The economy topped the list of critical issues facing the trucking industry for the third consecutive year, the American Transportation Research Institute said.