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Many times, technological advancement can mean maintenance headaches for the technicians who have to keep the units on the road. Onboard computer modules, data collection and transmission devices and automated lubrication systems can sometimes seem designed to stump the mechanic.

Third-party logistics firm Icon Transportation Co. and Americana Inc. said Monday they completed a previously announced merger.

U.S. retail sales fell unexpectedly in June, declining 0.1%, the Commerce Department reported Friday.

The price of goods imported to the United States rose 0.1% in June, the smallest increase in three months, the Labor Department said Friday.

Oil prices topped $78 a barrel for the first time Friday and set another closing-price record of more than $77, as intensifying violence in the Middle East raised concerns of possible supply disruptions, news services reported.

Lately, there seems to be a rash of brokers offering the same load from a shipper. Why is this? You call and ask about the load, destination, appointment times, loading and unloading fees and weight. The response: “I’ll have to check with the shipper and call you back.”

Truckload carrier Epes Transport System said it has raised pay for company drivers, owner-operators and dedicated teams, to be effective July 31.

Universal Truckload Services said late Thursday it acquired the operations of Alabama truckload carrier Noble & Pitts. Terms were not disclosed.

Freight forwarder Target Logistics said Thursday it has acquired Discovery Air Cargo, a freight forwarder that operates in the New York area.

First-time jobless claims rose by 19,000 to 332,000 last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday.