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Now that a ban on handheld phone use by truckers has taken effect, attention has shifted to a possible final rule on electronic onboard recorders.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two federal agencies that regularly deal with trucks have outlined ambitious plans that could make the nation’s highways nearly as busy with electronic communications as they are with vehicles, and doing so before the end of this decade.

Supply chain software company Robocom Systems International said it has acquired Accord Software Inc. Terms were not disclosed.

A federal advisory committee studying electronic onboard recorders did not reach a consensus on the best way to transmit hours-of-service data from the truck cab to roadside inspectors, but did offer recommendations on items including safeguarding carrier and driver privacy.

While many trucking fleets and the companies that make in-cab data devices to support carriers’ operations back moves to restrict cellphone use by drivers, a number of them strongly oppose the recent National Transportation Safety Board recommendation that calls for a total ban on their use — including hands-free devices — while driving.

Data amassed for safety and maintenance applications are being repurposed in software that can help fleets improve driver performance and bottom-line results, according to technology developers and transportation company officials.

An ever-increasing number of fleets today are investing significant capital to outfit their trucks with the latest safety technology to reduce accidents that harm people and disrupt freight operations.

By far, the biggest issues telematics device makers faced in 2011 were the wrangling over a final rule on electronic onboard recorders and potential changes to hours of service.

After years of tepid customer response to available collision-avoidance technologies, suppliers say they are racing to bring more systems to market as federal requirements, technology improvements and convincing test data have combined to stimulate demand at both the factory and aftermarket levels.