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Rising fuel costs, weakening demand for freight hauling and the subprime lending crisis are making it tougher for drivers and trucking companies to qualify for financing to buy equipment.

WASHINGTON — American Trucking Associations Chairman Ray Kuntz asked a Senate committee Wednesday to make fundamental changes to federal surface transportation programs in order to allow the trucking industry to move freight more efficiently.

Federal officials and Port of Long Beach, Calif., executives were scheduled to meet privately this week to develop measures aimed at boosting local enrollment for the government’s Transportation Worker Identification program, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported Tuesday.

YRC Worldwide unit USF Holland’s president, John O’Sullivan, has left his position and will be succeeded by Keith Lovetro, who leads YRC’s Regional Transportation unit, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

For most truckers, the U.S. Department of Transportation physical is just an inconvenience, but for some, it can be a major hurdle. Commercial drivers are understandably concerned, because without the Medical Examiner’s Certificate, they would be out of a job.

The use of heavier trucks can be an effective way for the industry to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, a new study by the American Transportation Research Institute said.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it intends to set new minimum standards for issuing learner’s permits to prospective commercial drivers and revise the knowledge and skills tests administered to people seeking commercial driver licenses.

Parts supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings has asked a federal mediator to help broker a deal to end the a 48-day strike, but offer was rejected by the United Auto Workers union, the Detroit News reported Monday.

Heavy-duty vehicle parts manufacturer Eaton Corp.’s first-quarter net earnings rose 5.6%, led by international sales, though its truck segment’s sales declined, the company said Monday.