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Used-truck dealers, facing a dearth of late-model, low-mileage vehicles after large fleets drained the market earlier this year, shopped aggressively in August, pushing sales up 55% from year-ago levels, according to industry sources.

Following recent rate increase announcements by three major less-than-truckload carriers, industry experts said the LTL sector has turned the corner toward profitability, with shipment volumes, tonnage and rates all improving, but not yet soaring.

Two bills introduced in the House shortly before Congress adjourned for the midterm elections would raise the federal diesel tax to pay for improved infrastructure or help boost new truck equipment purchases.

Most fleets are continuing to steer away from raising driver pay this year, but about 80% of carriers expect they will have to take that step when the pace of the U.S. economic recovery accelerates, according to a new survey.

For the first time in 37 years, federal regulators are proposing tougher standards for truck tire performance, including new speed tests.

United Auto Workers members continue to make trucks and engines for Navistar Inc. even though their old contract expired Oct. 1, both parties said, adding that they are still in active negotiations.

American Trucking Associations has filed court papers backing the state of Alabama in a U.S. Supreme Court case that could determine whether states can charge railroads sales tax on fuel purchases but exempt truckers.

Dynamex Inc., a package delivery and logistics operator, has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Greenbriar Equity Group Ltd. for a total of about $210 million, the companies announced on Oct. 1.

The average cost of U.S. retail diesel climbed 4.9 cents last week to $3 a gallon, the first time trucking’s main fuel has reached that level in more than four months, the Department of Energy reported.

Transport Topics Online will be closed Monday for the Columbus Day holiday.