Business

U.S. Class 8 truck sales continued to slide during September, with truck makers recording 28.7% fewer deals than they completed in the corresponding month last year, according to data supplied by WardsAuto.com.

Recent economic reports showing that inventory levels are dropping and that retail sales are increasing provided some welcome positive news for trucking executives last week.

After 10 years of fighting to get the federal government to change the safety rules on intermodal freight container chassis, freight companies and their industry groups are scrambling to meet the first important compliance deadline.

A study released by a group opposed to tolling Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania found that tolls would not only raise the cost of doing business in the region, but likely would result in an increase in crashes as vehicles divert away from the highway.

The Department of Homeland Security has given states several more weeks to request an extension for implementing toughened driver’s licenses and identification card security standards mandated by the 2005 REAL ID law.

Retail groups, including the trade association representing truck stops, are urging Congress to enact legislation that would regulate the fees retailers are charged by credit card companies.

LAS VEGAS — As the deadline nears for implementation of the latest change in federal emission rules, truck makers and fleets are moving to ensure that the supply of required diesel exhaust fluid is pure.

Landstar System Inc., the fifth-largest truckload carrier, last week reported a 39% drop in net income to $20.1 million from the same quarter of 2008.

Transportation officials said they are optimistic Congress still will pass a long-term highway bill in coming months, but the exact timetable could depend on how quickly lawmakers wrap up debate on other legislation.

Freightliner Trucks introduced its new on-highway Coronado model, which it described as its “top-of-the-line heavy-duty truck” aimed at the owner-operator.