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Manufacturers of onboard communication systems for trucking defended their products’ safety, and some said that they can be used with minimal distraction from driving.

The Ohio Turnpike has joined the E-ZPass toll collection system. Until Oct. 1, when the turnpike opened its new E-ZPass lanes, the roadway had no electronic tolling system and only accepted cash payments.

Transportation software firm ALK Technologies said that the latest version of its PC-Miler software, PC-Miler 23, has been certified by its partner TMW Systems.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. will buy BAF Technologies, a supplier of natural gas vehicle systems and conversion technology, for $8.3 million.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is increasing its use of Global Positioning System history logs as supporting evidence in driver hours-of-service audits, an executive with Qualcomm Inc. said last week.

UPS Inc. said that all U.S.-based sellers on eBay now have a direct, free connection from within that site to the UPS WorldShip system.

Truck component maker Eaton Corp. said that it would provide the electric power systems for 378 Class 5 electric hybrid plug-in vehicles under a federal grant, which it called the “largest commercial hybrid deployment” ever.

Future U.S. economic vitality depends on an adequately funded rural road system that can accommodate heavier trucks, a South Dakota trucking company president told a Senate committee last week.

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood an-nounced last week he will take steps to try to further curb distracting driving activities such as text messaging or using a cell phone or a Global Positioning System device.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s decision to cut the maximum allowed stopping distance for large trucks by 30% will increase truck buyers’ costs somewhat, but will not force a widespread shift to new technology such as air disc brakes, industry groups and manufacturers said.