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Click here to write a Letter to the Editor. bill providing incentives to fleets that purchase cleaner diesel engines in 2007 has been introduced in the House by Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.).

Flatbed carrier Smithway Motor Xpress reported late Thursday that its second-quarter net income rose to $1.4 million or 27 cents a share, from $665,000 or 14 cents a year earlier.

Manufacturing growth in the Philadelphia area increased in July, the Federal Reserve reported Thursday.

Heavy equipment and engine maker Caterpillar Inc. said Thursday its second-quarter income rose to $760 million or $1.08 a share, from $566 million or 80 cents last year.

Toronto-based transportation firm Vitran Corp. reported Thursday that its second-quarter net income rose to $4.8 million or 38 cents a share, up from $4.4 million or 34 cents a year earlier.

The number of U.S. workers filing for initial unemployment benefits fell 34,000 to 303,000 for the week ended July 16, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Overnite Corp. reported late Wednesday its earnings improved to $23.1 million or 82 cents a share for the second quarter, up from $16.8 million or 60 cents a year ago.

Refrigerated truckload carrier Marten Transport said late Wednesday it earned $6.8 million or 46 cents a share in the second quarter, up from $4.8 million or 33 cents a year earlier.

Covenant Transport Inc. said late Wednesday its net income was $652,000 or 5 cents a share in the second quarter, down from $4.4 million or 30 cents a year earlier.