Government

The U.S. economy expanded at a lower rate than previously reported in the third quarter, growing at a 2.8% annual rate versus the 3.5% reported last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

The ire of fleet managers who say diesel particulate filters are clogging with soot too quickly should be eased with the arrival of 2010 engines, according to some engine manufacturers.

A proposal to increase tolls on some bridges in California’s San Francisco Bay Area could have trucks paying an additional $5 to $41.50 per trip, the San Mateo County (Calif.) Times reported.

When will the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the critics of the industry come to the realization that there never will be one set of rules that fits all types of trucking operations or satisfies every proponent and opponent?

Yes, it’s still impossible to pay your bills with “cautious optimism.” But that state of mind is a lot better than what we were hearing just a few months ago when we asked any gathering of truckers about the outlook for their businesses.

U.S. Class 8 truck sales in October were 29.6% lower than year-ago levels, marking the 10th straight month this year that sales have trailed 2008’s results, according to data from WardsAuto.com.

Security experts say cargo thieves are becoming more selective and organized, which is resulting in a more substantial average loss per incident. Now, fleets are fighting back with anti-theft devices, diligent drivers and increased collaboration.

WASHINGTON — The nation’s top transportation safety investigator said all commercial trucks should be outfitted with electronic onboard recorders to monitor driver hours.