Truckers now can pull into one of 220 truck stops and get in-cab access to the Internet thanks to a new service offered by PNV.net. The company - formerly Park ’N View - offers Internet service as part of a plan to “become a comprehensive connectivity and information provider,” said its CEO Robert May.

Damage caused by clogged air brake valves could be prevented using a product designed to flush contaminants and water from trailer air lines, according to AlliedSignal officials. The company hopes to have the Bendix trailer system-guard air dryer on the market in October.

National average diesel fuel prices jumped to their highest level in 17 months during the week ending June 28, and the surge in diesel prices over the past three weeks has cost trucking companies an estimated $9 million, according to analysts. The average diesel price rose a half-cent to $1.087 a gallon, after the previous week’s steep 1.4-cent gain, the Department of Energy reported.

Car drivers may soon have access to a collision warning system similar to the Eaton-Vorad system on some trucks today. General Motors, along with Delphi Electronics Systems of Troy, Mich., and the U.S. Department of Transportation will spend $35 million over the next five years to develop the technology, Secretary of Transportatoin Rodney Slater announced.

Air shipping rights obtained in a purchase of Challenge Air Cargo could give United Parcel Service dominant market share of both heavy air cargo and express package service in Latin America. The deal, announced June 28, calls for UPS to take over Challenge’s facilities, including warehouses and ground equipment, and its customer network.

As the driver of Eaton’s “innovation” truck approached a slow-moving car, a single beep from a small box on the dashboard of the cab indicated that the truck was within two seconds of a collision if the car stopped suddenly. The Eaton-Vorad collision warning system, along with other high-tech gadgets, was on display during a June 14 demonstration that gave Transport Topics a look at Eaton’s view of the future truck.

United Parcel Service has established a land-based radio system that provides customers real-time tracking information in a way that cuts the package carrier’s cellular network costs. UPS worked with Motorola Corp. to develop and deploy the system, known as DIAD III, at a cost of $100 million. It is being used in 13 metropolitan areas, the carrier said.

Trucking companies risk being drowned by the flood of technologies and logistics services coming onto the market. And judging by the number of exhibitors at last week’s conference of the Information Technology and Logistics Council, trucking may risk being overwhelmed by vendors.