Trucking companies once were happy if an asset-tracking system could simply identify a truck’s location on a map.

The California Air Resources Board has approved changes that give heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers more time to comply with “technology forcing” regulations that require advances to engine onboard diagnostics systems that monitor nitrogen oxide emissions levels and particulate matter filter and sensor malfunctions.

Trimble Navigation Ltd. said it has agreed to purchase TMW Systems Inc. for $335 million in a deal that will bring the largest transportation software provider under the same ownership as PeopleNet Communications Corp., which Trimble acquired a year ago.

Trimble Navigation said Monday it has signed an agreement to acquire TMW Systems for $335 million, bringing the transportation software provider together with PeopleNet Communications Corp., which Trimble purchased last year.

The top truck technicians from across the country will put their skills to the test at the 2012 SuperTech competition, scheduled for Sept. 10-13 in Pittsburgh.

The U.S. Department of Transportation last week launched a test to determine if trucks, cars and buses equipped with wireless devices that allow the vehicles and highway infrastructure to “talk” to each other will prevent crashes, and whether such connected vehicle technology should be required on all vehicles.

MINNEAPOLIS — Xata Corp. announced last week it changed its name to XRS Corp. and unveiled its next-generation platform focused on mobile devices rather than hard-wired, on-board computers.

Cobra Electronics Corp. said it has unveiled its latest truck-specific navigation system as well as a new citizens band radio.

American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council will hold its 2012 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competition Sept. 10-13 in Pittsburgh.

Transportation software provider Xata Corp recently cut 29 jobs in a step to “better align” its workforce with its mobile-based strategy, the company said in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.