Fuel

The California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach formally launched their clean-trucks programs last week without any apparent major glitches, although activity at some terminals was initially reported to be lighter than usual, with fewer trucks showing up at the gates.

The average price of retail diesel fuel rose 0.1 cent last week to $3.959, following 10 straight weeks of declines, according to the De-partment of Energy.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A fuel-optimization module acquired 12 months ago has since become a leading growth product for software vendor TMW Systems, which held its annual user conference in the heart of this resort-rich peninsula last week.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced the first $3.4 million for clean diesel projects under the agency’s diesel emissions reduction program.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. said Monday it will own, operate and supply fuel for new compressed natural gas public access stations to support ground operations at airports in Atlanta and Oklahoma City.

Diesel volumes at truck stops continue this year to decline over volumes a year ago, according to a fuel survey conducted by a truck stop trade group.

Union Pacific Railroad is expanding its use of lower-emission locomotives by agreeing to conduct the rail industry’s first test of such units in regional freight service.

From maintaining optimum air pressure to avoiding jack-rabbit starts, a truck driver’s actions affect not only the life expectancy of tires but also a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Diesel fuel’s national average price fell 6.5 cents to $3.958 a gallon, the 10th straight weekly decline and the first time it has fallen below the $4 mark in almost six months, the Department of Energy said Sept. 22, although a surge in crude oil prices added uncertainty to the outlook.