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BOSTON — Volvo Trucks joined the argument over allowing longer, heavier trucks on U.S. highways, saying Congress should allow them on the interstate system to relieve congestion, increase productivity, conserve fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

SAN DIEGO — A “perfect storm” of a weak economy, high fuel prices and governmental missteps have led to a 70% drop in new-truck sales in North America, according to Jim Hebe, senior vice president of North American sales for Navistar.

Penske Truck Leasing Co. has retained accident management firm CEI Group to expand its capabilities for dealing with collision and claims repairs at its 16 North American collision repair centers, Penske said May 4.

Rhode Island transportation officials said construction has begun on one of two bridges so deteriorated that trucks are limited to 18 tons and two axles.

Prices of most key commodities used in making heavy trucks have dropped 50% or more since last year, but price reductions for tires, components and trucks have been difficult to find.

Truck axle and frame maker Dana Holding Corp. posted a first-quarter loss of $157 million, Bloomberg reported.

Weak Class 8 truck sales around the world led to plunging revenue and either losses or vastly diminished first-quarter profits for three of the four major heavy-duty truck manufacturers and both independent engine makers operating in North America.

McLeod Software said Wednesday that it had purchased Intergrated Logistics Execution Network Systems, or iLENS, a logistics software company.