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When passive radio frequency identification began its rise almost a decade ago, hopes ran high that the new technology, which offers hands-free operation and doesn’t require a direct line of sight, would help to free the shipping industry from labor-intensive bar-code tracking, which often requires handheld devices to read labels and is consequently much prone to human error.

American Trucking Associations said last week it filed a lawsuit against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to force the agency to issue an overdue regulation covering the documents and other materials fleets need to maintain to verify drivers’ logbooks.

Trucking industry officials have filed comments opposing the California Air Resources Board’s plan to initiate a statewide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Backers of the current driver hours-of-service rule far outnumbered opponents in the first of four scheduled public hearings held by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as it reviews the much-contested regulation.

The rate of fatalities in accidents involving trucks fell 12.3% in 2008 from the previous year — the largest year-to-year drop on record — to its lowest level on record, according to an American Trucking Associations analysis of Department of Transportation data.

The national diesel average declined 0.9 cent to $2.87 last week as pump prices moderated after a sharp spike the prior three weeks, the Department of Energy reported.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. said it has acquired three companies that offer a variety of transportation services, continuing the company’s plan to grow through acquisitions.

England Logistics said that it has given approval to operate in China and has opened offices in five cities.

Compliance and safety services provider RAIR said Friday that it has named JJ Singh as its new president and chief executive officer.