Safety

The use of heavier trucks can be an effective way for the industry to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, a new study by the American Transportation Research Institute said.

American Trucking Associations and the U.S. Army Reserve signed a recruiting partnership agreement they said will provide experienced truck drivers for the military and give career opportunities to truck drivers leaving the military.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it intends to set new minimum standards for issuing learner’s permits to prospective commercial drivers and revise the knowledge and skills tests administered to people seeking commercial driver licenses.

Trucking industry veteran James Hebe has rejoined Navistar International Corp.’s truck group as senior vice president of North American sales, the company said Monday.

Heavy-duty vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp.’s first-quarter net earnings rose 5.6%, led by international sales, though its truck segment’s sales declined, the company said Monday.

Parts supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings has asked a federal mediator to help broker a deal to end the a 48-day strike, but offer was rejected by the United Auto Workers union, the Detroit News reported Monday.

Plans by the Chinese government to close factories in and around Beijing and Shanghai this summer to reduce air pollution for the 2008 Summer Olympics could cause early or late peak seasonal surges in exports to the United States, shipping industry executives and transportation experts said.