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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Truck and engine makers took advantage of one of the last major marketing forums before the onset of new federal emission rules to starkly set the stage for buyers of heavy-duty vehicles in choosing between SCR and EGR for their diesel engines.

Truck and engine maker Navistar Inc. said it will take a “leadership role” in trying to convince Congress and the new administration to delay full implementation of 2010 heavy-duty truck engine emission mandates.

A federal judge last week denied American Trucking Associations’ request for a preliminary injunction against controversial portions of emission-reduction programs at the California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Astronomic fuel prices are only part of the economic drag on trucking these days. Add the growing length of time on accounts receivables, more customer bankruptcies and the tightening of credit by suppliers and lenders, and it’s easy to see how carriers’ cash flow has ebbed.

China’s largest truck maker, Sinotruk, boosted a first-half profit 40% as consumers rushed to buy vehicles before the introduction of a new emissions regulation, Bloomberg reported Thursday.

Two national truckload carriers have signed letters of intent to participate in the port of Los Angeles’ Clean Trucks Plan, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Little wonder that fuel efficiency was a major focus of equipment and service vendors exhibiting at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week.

Corporate Express US said Monday it is now fueling the majority of its 45-truck delivery fleets in Colorado and Kansas with a 20% blend of biodiesel fuel.

The Environmental Protection Agency has completed its draft of new regulations to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from cars and trucks, Bloomberg reported.

The commission charged with examining the future of the national transportation system is set to recommend a significant increase in federal fuel taxes to Congress, according to wire service reports and other sources.