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For most truckers, the U.S. Department of Transportation physical is just an inconvenience, but for some, it can be a major hurdle. Commercial drivers are understandably concerned, because without the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, they would be out of a job.

WASHINGTON — American Trucking Associations Chairman Ray Kuntz asked a Senate committee Wednesday to make fundamental changes to federal surface transportation programs in order to allow the trucking industry to move freight more efficiently.

Brent Hilton, the 2008 chairman of the Technology & Maintenance Council, said one of the focuses of his term will be to increase membership among service dealerships that perform essential “heavy-duty” maintenance for trucking.

Federal officials and Port of Long Beach, Calif., executives were scheduled to meet privately this week to develop measures aimed at boosting local enrollment for the government’s Transportation Worker Identification program, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported Tuesday.

The use of heavier trucks can be an effective way for the industry to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, a new study by the American Transportation Research Institute said.

American Trucking Associations and the U.S. Army Reserve signed a recruiting partnership agreement they said will provide experienced truck drivers for the military and give career opportunities to truck drivers leaving the military.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it intends to set new minimum standards for issuing learner’s permits to prospective commercial drivers and revise the knowledge and skills tests administered to people seeking commercial driver licenses.

Trucking industry veteran James Hebe has rejoined Navistar International Corp.’s truck group as senior vice president of North American sales, the company said Monday.

Heavy-duty vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp.’s first-quarter net earnings rose 5.6%, led by international sales, though its truck segment’s sales declined, the company said Monday.