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A federal judge has ruled that FedEx Ground drivers in Kansas are independent contractors and not employees, handing the company a victory in its ongoing litigation over the classification of its drivers.

The prediction by some people is that the new CSA rules will take 5% or more over-the-road drivers off our highways. To some folks that may be a good thing.

About the only silver lining that seems to be coming from the obvious slowdown of the U.S. economy is that it’s taking pressure off domestic fuel prices, in part by encouraging commodities speculators to find other places to ply their trade.

Truck tonnage in the United States rose 7.4% in July from a year earlier, the eighth consecutive monthly gain, American Trucking Associations reported last week.

With cargo theft on the rise, trucking companies such as Schneider National and Con-way Inc. are relying on the latest technology — as well as increased collaboration with security consultants, insurers, shippers and law enforcement — to fight criminals who have become more sophisticated.

Vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp. named Lennart Jonsson its new chief technology officer.

The IdleAire nationwide truck-stop electrification network is back in business on a smaller scale with 10 operating locations, its new chief executive officer said.

Navistar Inc. has urged U.S. and California environmental regulators to recall 2010-compliant heavy-duty truck engines using selective catalytic reduction emissions technology that the company claims can be defeated by drivers.

Orders for new trailers rose 74% in July over July 2009, pushing year-to-date levels ahead by the same percentage, ACT Research Co. reported.

John Labrie, president of less-than-truckload carrier Con-way Freight, abruptly left last week after 20 years with the company.