91ÊÓƵ

U.S. retail Class 8 truck sales continued their 2007 free fall in August, plunging 58.9% from last year, the fourth straight month sales have dropped more than 50%, Ward’s Communications said.

Truck maker Freightliner LLC is studying relocating some of the operations in its aftermarket division from Oregon to the East Coast, the Oregonian newspaper reported Friday.

Tire wear and tear is inevitable, but carriers can minimize its effects by choosing high-quality materials and being rigorous about maintenance and checking correct air pressures, several fleet maintenance chiefs and tire manufacturers say.

Transportation technology provider TMW Systems said Monday it acquired Integrated Support Decision Corporation, for an undisclosed sum.

Global Positioning System equipment has not yet become standard for all motor carriers, but more fleets are showing interest in the technology to meet the demands of shippers, and those who use it already rate their systems highly, a recent survey showed.

Trucking and auto component maker ArvinMeritor said late Friday it will close two shock-absorber factories and cut 700 jobs.

Expansion of the U.S. Class 8 truck fleet is slowing as carriers continue to put off new truck purchases and demand for freight hauling remains soft, according to a new report by research firm R.L. Polk & Co.

Vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp. said Friday it will realign its financial reporting structure, increasing the number of business segments reported from four to six, to reflect the company’s growth and changing mix of businesses.

Federal rail regulators are backing a technological change that will enable trains to stop more quickly while permitting them to travel longer distances between required brake tests, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

An Italian manufacturer chose Ryder System to manage its supply chain operations in China, Ryder said late Tuesday.