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TAMPA, Fla. — Fleet managers said they generally prefer the current generation of U.S. truck engines over 2007-2009 models because of improved fuel economy and reliability, but they also cost more and are more complicated, a new survey found.

California environmental regulators have delayed until June the first compliance deadline for large fleets seeking to phase in SmartWay technologies for 2010 and older model 53-foot box-type trailers and the tractors that pull them.

Efforts to overcome the effect of defective brake valves supplied by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems are progressing, with Navistar Inc. reporting that all its trucks delayed for repairs have now been shipped.

American Trucking Associations has defended the federal government’s moves to encourage the use of electronic onboard recorders among trucking fleets in a brief filed in federal court.

Swift Transportation said it has increased capacity through an alliance with Web-based load matching service Internet Truckstop.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance is once again urging its members to support electronic onboard recorders.

Tracking systems to help fleets analyze the performance of the tires on their trucks and trailers have come of age — specifically the information age — and the data they compile can help carriers maximize every dollar spent on tires, according to manufacturers.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Transportation software company Sylectus, which primarily serves the expedited and truckload markets, said it is turning its attention to the flatbed sector.

Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems recently introduced several new safety products, including a forward-looking lane-departure warning system and a roll-stability trailer system.

Supply chain technology firm Intermec Inc. reported a fourth-quarter loss of $21.6 million, or 36 cents per share, compared to a profit of $7.9 million, or 13 cents, a year ago.