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Sales of heavy-duty Class 8 trucks slipped 0.5% in June from a year earlier, despite indications that many fleets are buying 2002 models at an accelerated rate to avoid the Oct. 1 deadline after which trucks are to have new lower-emission engines.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Motor carriers that hold onto tractors longer to avoid the post-October reduced-emission engines will not significantly increase maintenance routines or spending, maintenance experts predicted.

While the Internet may be great for buying an airline ticket, the electronic medium has not been kind to entrepreneurs hawking freight services. Other than carrier Web sites, the only real online-market success within the trucking industry has been the electronic load boards, according to industry analysts.

Services that match freight with eligible trucks are a bit like dating services, say industry analysts. Personalities and physical attributes bring people together in the singles scene, but when it comes to marrying 20 pallets of toothpaste with a truck, the criteria are destination, availability, rates and service guarantees.

Railroad company CSX Corp. has found a new source of freight for its intermodal arm, CSX Intermodal. As part of an effort to develop new business, CSXI employees are surfing Internet freight-matching boards to pick off truckloads brokers post for highway moves.

CHICAGO — Software and logistics professionals cautioned supply chain executives here that companies frequently make mistakes selecting information technology or logistics providers because they don’t understand their own needs.

The House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on energy and air quality began work last week on a bill to reauthorize the Clean Air Act of 1990, which regulates emissions from heavy-duty trucks, cars and other sources.

A federal law requiring criminal background checks of all drivers applying to haul hazardous material moved closer to enactment after a Senate committee approved a bill giving the Department of Transportation instructions on how to conduct the investigations.

The House of Representatives will probably approve a port security measure later this month that requires a national transportation worker identification badge.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A group of component manufacturers has adapted a new technology that lets drivers monitor the condition of their brakes and send other safety and performance information from a trailer to the dashboard.