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TAMPA, Fla. — Fleet managers said they generally prefer the current generation of U.S. truck engines over 2007-2009 models because of improved fuel economy and reliability, but they also cost more and are more complicated, a new survey found.

American Trucking Associations has defended the federal government’s moves to encourage the use of electronic onboard recorders among trucking fleets in a brief filed in federal court.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance is once again urging its members to support electronic onboard recorders.

Swift Transportation said it has increased capacity through an alliance with Web-based load matching service Internet Truckstop.

Meritor Wabco Vehicle Control Systems recently introduced several new safety products, including a forward-looking lane-departure warning system and a roll-stability trailer system.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Transportation software company Sylectus, which primarily serves the expedited and truckload markets, said it is turning its attention to the flatbed sector.

Tracking systems to help fleets analyze the performance of the tires on their trucks and trailers have come of age — specifically the information age — and the data they compile can help carriers maximize every dollar spent on tires, according to manufacturers.

Supply chain technology firm Intermec Inc. reported a fourth-quarter loss of $21.6 million, or 36 cents per share, compared to a profit of $7.9 million, or 13 cents, a year ago.

There were almost 20 times as many transportation applications available for mobile devices in 2011 as there were the year before, technology experts said.