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Logistics provider AutoInfo Inc. said it earned $392,000, or 1 cent per share, in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with a profit of $443,000, or 1 cent, a year earlier.

Little wonder that fuel efficiency was a major focus of equipment and service vendors exhibiting at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week.

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago region improved this month, but showed contraction, the National Association of Purchasing Management said Monday.

Canadian parcel carrier Purolator Courier said it has reached a tentative contract renewal agreement with the Teamsters union.

Accuride Corp., a maker of wheels, chassis parts and seat assemblies for commercial trucks and trailers, said it will form a joint venture with Benecor Inc. to distribute diesel exhaust fluid, or urea, at truck stops, fuel stations and fleet locations.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Talk of fuel efficiency and reduced engine emissions largely displaced glitz and chrome at center stage at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The simmering debate among truck makers over the best way to meet the government’s much tighter emissions mandate suddenly got a lot hotter here last week, as Daimler Truck executives aggressively struck back at competitors’ negative comments about the technology they have chosen — selective catalytic reduction.

A weak economy and a deteriorating business environment for truckers are creating challenges and opportunities for equipment leasing and rental companies, executives in the field say.