������ý

At least five major tire manufacturers said they are raising prices on their medium- and heavy-duty truck tires by 3% to 5%, with most citing the rising cost of raw materials as the reason.

Many manufacturers provide trucking companies with products that use Global Positioning System satellites to help manage their logistics more seamlessly, but have now found an additional use for the technology.

NEW ORLEANS — While great trials may provide drama and public fascination, mediation of accident claims — a process that avoids that drama — is daily life for trucking companies and other transportation providers. Those involved with the system said mediation takes special skills and techniques.

Truck and engine maker Navistar International Corp. said Tuesday it saw signs of strength in non-traditional and overseas vehicle markets, despite a 6% downturn in Class 6-8 North American truck and bus shipments in its fiscal first quarter.

Truck and auto parts maker Eaton Corp. said Tuesday it named Curt Hutchins president and vice president of its heavy-duty transmission unit, effective April 1.

Sales of new Class 8 trucks fell 19.3% in February, while orders for new vehicles plunged more than 70%, according to companies that track the market.

The number of heavy-duty trucks in use in the United States increased 5.2% to 3.51 million Class 8 commercial vehicles last year, as fleet owners stocked up on new trucks and kept more old vehicles in service, market research firm R.L. Polk & Co. said.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — The president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission said a licensing system would be “up and running within five years” at his port and the neighboring Port of Los Angeles to ensure all trucks entering the facilities meet strict emission standards.