Equipment

The nation’s three largest manufacturers of commercial truck tires have raised prices for the second time this year in reaction to sharp increases in the costs of their primary components — rubber, oil and steel — although world economic developments have taken some of the air out of commodity prices.

American Trucking Associations, along with several key industry groups and manufacturers, asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to change its final rule on electronic onboard recorders, saying the technical specifications laid out by the regulation were not achievable.

Several major commercial tire makers have set price increases due to higher materials and other costs.

The U.S. economy’s service sector grew in April for the fourth consecutive month, the Institute for Supply Management said Monday.

Trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. said its first-quarter loss widened but its operating loss declined from the same quarter last year.

Wabco Holdings said Wednesday it earned a profit of $30.7 million, or 47 cents a share in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $36.4 million, or 57 cents, a year ago.

U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in April at its fastest pace since June 2004, the Institute for Supply Management said Monday.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Mack Trucks CEO Dennis Slagle said he is reinvigorating his company and willing to take on any rival, and he promptly picked fights with Navistar Inc. and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

There was a time when foreign-based tire manufacturers had to overcome major hurdles to enter the North American market.

PRINCETON, N.J. — New federal safety regulations soon will drive a wave of purchases by U.S. trucking companies that have not yet adopted electronic onboard recorders and mobile communication systems that closely monitor driver performance, a technology vendor here said.