Business

Sales of new Class 8 trucks fell 19.3% in February, while orders for new vehicles plunged more than 70%, according to companies that track the market.

While much of the heavy-duty truck sales hoopla during 2006 focused on truck makers as they set new monthly and yearly sales records, trailer makers were quietly posting their third-best sales year ever, according to new data from ACT Research.

WASHINGTON — Legislation proposed last week could allow federal weight limits for trucks to rise to 97,000 pounds and for the first time set fuel-efficiency standards for trucks.

LAS VEGAS — Leaders of the Truckload Carriers Association said they will take a more active role in shaping trucking’s policy in the coming year and emphasize the need to provide drivers a safer work environment and wage stability.

Dedicated Transport, a private trucking company based in Cleveland, said it bought Baker’s Transport Service of Lakeland, Fla. Terms were not released.

U.S. industrial production rose a full 1% in February, the most since November 2005, the Federal Reserve said Thursday.