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Growth in the nation’s fleet of Class 8 trucks ground to a halt during the second quarter, as U.S. registrations for vehicles in operation rose by just 0.75%, according to R.L. Polk & Co.

Heavy-duty vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp. said Tuesday its fourth-quarter net earnings rose 8%, and the company boosted its dividend too.

WASHINGTON — In a controversial report calling for huge new spending on the national transportation system, a congressional commission last week made several recommendations that would affect trucking, including new flexibility in the federal driver hours-of-service rule in congestion-prone areas.

Xata Corp.’s acquisition of fellow fleet technology provider GeoLogic Solutions gives the company its first real foothold for marketing information technology systems to for-hire trucking fleets, an executive with the Eden Prairie, Minn., firm said.

The commission charged with examining the future of the national transportation system is set to recommend a significant increase in federal fuel taxes to Congress, according to wire service reports and other sources.

Trucking executive Patrick Quinn proposed building a system of dedicated truck-only lanes to streamline freight movement and the idea has been “well received” by members of a U.S. commission.

Mack Trucks introduced a new in-cabin power system as an option, joining several other truck manufacturers — including International, Kenworth and Peterbilt — in offering built-in units to limit idling.

Trucking software firm TMW Systems said Thursday it acquired TMT Software, which makes fleet maintenance applications, for an undisclosed sum.