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A coalition of labor and advocacy groups Monday escalated their case against two regulations concerning truck drivers' working hours by filing a federal lawsuit.

The California Air Resources Board urged federal regulators to reverse a Bush administration decision that blocks the state’s efforts to set its own limits on greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles, the Associated Press reported.

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved California’s new limits on refrigerated trailers entering and operating inside the “Golden State,” giving truck owners and drivers about five months to prepare before enforcement hits July 17.

What the federal stimulus package does for road transportation and job creation may be more piecemeal than grand, but whether it’s filling potholes or replacing a crumbling bridge, it’s heartening to contemplate the flurry of construction activity that is about to sweep across the land.

As cash flow becomes tighter for many fleets, more are turning to financial services that pay invoices almost instantly. Trucking and financial executives said that while the service known as “factoring” can be beneficial, once a fleet gets started, it can be hard to stop. As a result, they recommend carriers understand the full scope of services offered and costs involved.

SALTILLO, Mexico — Daimler Trucks North America dedicated its $300 million Freightliner plant here Feb. 27, as Mexico’s president, Felipe Calderon, joined company officials to formally launch the new 1.3 million-square-foot facility.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, said the country should move quickly to a vehicle-miles tax but meanwhile should raise fuel taxes significantly, al-though the higher taxes shouldn’t take effect for at least two years.

While much of the debate on the upcoming highway bill will focus on funding issues, a senator charged with overseeing the safety portion of the legislation said recently that “the status quo is simply unacceptable.”

The Environmental Protection Agency will require onboard diagnostics systems on at least one engine family per manufacturer starting in 2010.