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Sales of heavy-duty trucks jumped 23.1% in August from a year earlier, as fleets continued to buy up trucks with current-model engines before new federally mandated emissions standards take effect Oct. 1.

Freight customers were still scrambling last week to locate their shipments in Consolidated Freightway's system after the abrupt closing of the less-than-truckload carrier Sept. 2.

LAS VEGAS — Retaining drivers within their first three months of hire is the key to stopping an industrywide revolving door, speakers at the International Truck Show said, leading some to contradict the belief that there’s a driver shortage.

Lacking enough engines from Caterpillar Inc. to fill its orders, International Truck and Engine Corp. is looking to rival engine maker Cummins Inc., an official with the truck maker said during a conference call last week.

LAS VEGAS — Sales representatives manning booths for Class 8 truck manufacturers here said they think truck sales may take only a mild decline come Oct. 1 when they must begin selling trucks with engines that meet federal guidelines for new emissions standards.

Because fuel represents anywhere from 5% to 20% or more of a trucking company’s expenses, making it the second-largest cost factor after labor, fluctuating fuel prices can potentially cause major disruptions with revenue because of fuel’s effect on freight rates.

The Department of Transportation plans to award a two-year, $2.5 million contract to study technology that could enhance the security of hazardous materials shipments.

With President Bush’s approval in February of Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the nation’s permanent disposal site for spent nuclear fuel rods, the battle is now joined over how the material will be transported to the underground repository, scheduled to begin operation in 2010.

CHICAGO — Federal health and law enforcement officials last week called on trucking to help shape plans to counter potential bioterrorist attacks and strikes against the nation’s food supply.

CHICAGO — American Trucking Associations is preparing a pilot program to use biometric information to verify truck driver identities, but trucking company executives here expressed worry about who would shoulder the burden of paying for the system.