Safety

The rate at which fatalities occurred in truck-involved crashes increased 9.4% in 2010 from the previous year’s all-time low, according to an analysis of Department of Transportation mileage data made public last week.

WASHINGTON — The head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said the agency will issue strict guidance to medical examiners later this year on how to detect and treat sleep disorders when administering physicals to truck drivers.

Most truck makers said they will make important announcements of new products this year at the Mid-America Trucking Show, including Peterbilt Motors Co.’s introduction of a new model.

North American truck makers installed 99,504 Cummins Inc. engines into new 2011 Class 8 trucks, slightly increasing the independent engine maker’s leading market share to 39.1% from 38.5% in 2010, WardsAuto.com reported.

Efforts to overcome the effect of defective brake valves supplied by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems are progressing, with Navistar Inc. reporting that all its trucks delayed for repairs have now been shipped.

Canadian bulk hauler Trimac Transportation reported little change in quarterly and annual profits, even though revenue improved for both the fourth quarter and the year.

TransForce Inc.’s fourth-quarter net income rose to C$41.7 million, or 41 cents a share, from C$34.8 million, or 36 cents, a year earlier, the Montreal-based trucking and logistics company said Wednesday.

While Compliance, Safety, Accountability program scores now play an important role in helping shippers choose the proper carrier for hauling their freight, a recent court ruling has raised new potential problems within the supply chain.

TAMPA, Fla. — Lee Long, the maintenance director of Southeastern Freight Lines and new chairman of American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council, said his biggest interest is drawing more people into work as heavy-duty technicians.

Class 8 tractors have long been the standard for U.S. for-hire carriers, yet for certain service lines, even the most venerable of heavy-duty fleets are now buying Class 6 and 7 trucks and sometimes even smaller cargo vans.