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Consumer confidence rose in April from a 16-month low, according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index released Friday.

The country’s recent economic climate certainly illustrates how essential and strong the transportation component is to our way of life, but trucking has needed to navigate regulatory challenges as well.

The U.S. economy grew at a 1.8% annual rate in the first quarter, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Federal Reserve policy makers said Wednesday that the U.S. economy is recovering at a “moderate pace” and that any inflation surge likely to be temporary, while agreeing keeping interest rates at a record low rate, Bloomberg reported.

The number of injuries in U.S. truck related accidents declined by 18% in 2009, according to new statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Swift Transportation Co. reported a first-quarter profit compared with a loss a year ago, as its operating income more than doubled.

The American Truck Dealers held its annual convention in Phoenix this month, with members cheerful over the economic rebound but increasingly leery of pending federal regulations.

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advisory committee has recommended the agency seek authority from Congress to impose penalties against shippers, receivers and brokers who “unduly detain” commercial vehicle drivers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking additional public comment on its proposed electronic onboard recorders rule to ensure motor carriers do not use the technology to violate the privacy of truck drivers.

CINCINNATI — Fleets are adopting electronic logging systems at a rapid pace in advance of a federal mandate, according to technology vendors and fleet executives.