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Federal regulators should develop a separate standard for natural gas-powered vehicles when they finalize the second phase of the government’s emissions reduction and fuel-efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, according to a new report by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.

U.S. diesel prices dipped 0.4 cent to a national average of $3.879 a gallon, ending two weeks of increases that were the fuel’s only upturns in the past three months, the Department of Energy reported Dec. 9.

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.