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A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Inspector General audit has given a 2017 agency study critical of glider truck emissions a clean bill of health.

Some industry representatives suggest that electric-powered vehicles will not only reduce diesel pollutants, but also ­attract a new generation of recruits to the field of heavy truck maintenance.

Trailer makers intending to sell their products in California beginning Jan. 1 must certify beforehand that the equipment meets the state’s Phase 2 greenhouse gas rule and receive an executive order, according to the California Air Resources Board.

A leading trucking official said “there is definitely a shift going on” for the industry to address its critical shortage of technicians.

Motor carriers are investing in training, technology and ongoing education to help ensure their drivers conduct thorough pre- and post-trip inspections, which are essential for complying with federal safety standards and minimizing vehicle downtime.

Aerodynamic devices intended to calm turbulence and improve fuel efficiency for heavy-duty vehicles come in many shapes and sizes — from wheel covers to fairings over, under and behind trailers. Now a group of investors has provided additional support to XStream Trucking Inc., whose TruckWings device automatically encloses the area between the tractor and trailer.

Although large gains have been made in cleaning up new diesel engines, nearly two-thirds of all commercial trucks don’t meet the latest emissions standards. As of 2017, some 36% of all commercial trucks (Classes 3-8) in the United States rely on the newest generation of diesel engines — a 6% increase over 2016, according to the Diesel Technology Forum, which cited the latest data.

You can build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door, Ralph Waldo Emerson noted in the late 19th century. More than 100 years later, Ryan Walsh is building a better mailbox so the world’s goods can be delivered to your door.