Business

Well, it appears that trucking has at least made some progress in getting Congress to address some of the issues that are impeding the industry’s efforts to deliver the nation’s freight.

Provisions that would have allowed states to permit larger, heavier trucks on interstate highways were voted down last week, just days after the highway reauthorization bill containing the measures was introduced in the House of Representatives.

LISLE, Ill. — Navistar Inc. and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. unveiled a joint offensive on Feb. 1 to expand the reach of natural-gas-powered vehicles in the heavy-duty trucking market.

Trailer manufacturers may be facing an embarrassment of riches: too much business.

A faulty brake valve produced by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has been installed on as many as 60,000 Navistar Inc., Paccar Inc. and Volvo Group heavy-duty vehicles that are now in service.

LISLE, Ill. — Navistar Inc. has formally submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency a 13-liter heavy-duty engine model that it says meets current federal emissions standards.

Trailer makers experienced robust ordering activity to end 2011 and early this year, according to ACT Research Co. and interviews with manufacturers.

Fourth-quarter freight volumes and pricing generally improved for UPS Inc., but quarterly earnings declined because of a one-time $827 million noncash charge for pension accounting, the company said Jan. 31.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. and Werner Enterprises Inc. continued the parade of truckload operators whose fourth-quarter earnings rose with help from higher rates, stronger freight trends and key businesses such as intermodal.

YRC Worldwide CEO James Welch and FedEx Freight President William Logue, the top leaders at the two largest less-than-truckload carriers, last week underscored the urgent need for highway funding legislation and the potential for longer trailers to improve productivity.