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Safety and compliance issues were in the spotlight for the trucking industry in 2010, and technology providers subsequently sharpened their focus on products and services aimed at helping fleets cope with increased government scrutiny.

For some time, two things seemed certain for truckers in California: taxes and stiff environmental requirements. That didn’t change in 2010.

After several years of anticipation throughout the trucking industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration finally in October released their joint proposed rule to regulate greenhouse gases for the commercial transportation sector.

Consumer confidence rose to a six-month high this month, according to the final monthly Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index released Thursday.

The U.S. gross domestic product rose at a 2.6% annual rate in the third quarter, higher than previous estimates, the Commerce Department said Wednesday in its final revision.

The House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would extend a program of grants and loans to reduce diesel emissions.

The year began with hopes the Obama administration and Congress could end their stalemate over the highway bill. But like 2009, this year is expected to end without a new long-term reauthorization agreement.

The speed limit for cars and trucks on the Ohio Turnpike will go from 65 to 70 miles an hour starting April 1, a change that the state’s trucking industry opposes.

Automakers and engine manufacturers are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over its plan to allow fuel stations to sell gasoline with 15% ethanol, the Associated Press reported.

Trucking companies finally gained some traction in 2010 as the economy stabilized and demand for freight hauling increased.