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Tolls could rise as much as 85% for trucks traveling across the Blue Water Bridge into Canada from Michigan as the state proposes to raise its rates higher than what Canada charges to make the reverse trip.

WASHINGTON — Several lawmakers, Department of Transportation officials and experts have  expressed concern with elements of a vehicle miles traveled tax, which some advocates tout as a replacement for the fuel tax. They also cautioned that a transition to VMT could be a slow process.

This year has been tough on trucking profits, but a broad spectrum of accounting experts said there are many tax opportunities available to cushion the blow.

Retail diesel prices edged lower again last week for the third consecutive time, while gasoline prices rose, the Department of Energy reported.

U.S. truck tonnage fell 5.2% in October, yet posted the best year-over-year performance since November of last year, as analysts said signs of a lasting economic recovery were uneven.

New home sales grew 6.2% in October to the highest level since September 2008, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

U.S. consumer confidence declined this month, according to the final Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Wednesday.

Consumer personal spending and personal incomes both rose in October, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

Durable goods orders fell in October, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

Kenan Advantage Group will acquire the assets of Reinhard Transportation, a Federal Way, Wash., fuel hauler that runs 64 trucks.