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An expert hired by the Canadian Trucking Alliance is disputing claims made by the Canadian renewable fuels industry that diesel fuel buyers would save dramatically if the federal government proceeds with a proposed biodiesel mandate on July 1.

Less-than-truckload carrier Southeastern Freight Lines, Lexington, S.C., opened a new logistics division Jan. 4 to provide shippers with services in dry van, refrigerated and flatbed truckload, expedited delivery, intermodal drayage, brokerage, air freight and distribution.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week finalized its 2011 national renewable fuel standard, calling for the production of 800 million gallons of biodiesel, up from 650 million gallons in 2010.

Retail diesel prices reversed course last week, as the national average rose 3.3 cents a gallon to $2.961 after falling 19.9 cents in the five previous weeks, the Department of Energy reported.

Truck stop chain Flying J Inc. said it has started accepting Comdata payment cards at its 270 U.S. and Canadian travel centers.

Logistics firm Expeditors International of Washington said airfreight tonnage has risen 40% in the first three months of 2010 compared to last year, the Associated Press reported.

The Obama administration was set last week to outline a path to national fuel-economy standards for large trucks, bringing industry and government officials to the White House to announce a plan that could aim at driving habits as well as equipment changes to reduce fuel use.