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Trucking continued to rebuild both freight volumes and profits in 2011 while the general U.S. economic growth crept forward at a slower pace.

U.S. diesel prices climbed in 2011 to an average of $3.84 per gallon as of Dec. 12, about 85 cents higher than last year, and topped the $4 mark in April, May and November.

Logistics provider DB Schenker said it expects to improve its domestic capabilities through a “strategic relationship” with transportation company Estes Express Lines.

This year was the first in which all truck manufacturers had their “vertical integration” model up and running, offering trucks with their own engines — the same way cars are sold.

The National Transportation Safety Board pushed last week for a mandate that all heavy trucks have video event recorders to document crashes, reiterating a previous request.

A proposal to require electronic stability control systems in heavy vehicles has been sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review.

Supply chain software maker Robocom Systems International announced it acquired Wright Business Solutions. No terms were disclosed.

After years of tepid customer response to available collision-avoidance technologies, suppliers say they are racing to bring more systems to market as federal requirements, technology improvements and convincing test data have combined to stimulate demand at both the factory and aftermarket levels.

“Safety theatre” (for that’s what it surely is) makes all parties feel good while disguising the real issue: how to train drivers to use the new technologies without compromising safety.