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When large, corporate-owned fleets such as U.S. Foodservice and Wal-Mart Transportation were pressured by their owners to meet environmental sustainability goals even during the current faltering economy, it made the news.

When will the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the critics of the industry come to the realization that there never will be one set of rules that fits all types of trucking operations or satisfies every proponent and opponent?

Yes, it’s still impossible to pay your bills with “cautious optimism.” But that state of mind is a lot better than what we were hearing just a few months ago when we asked any gathering of truckers about the outlook for their businesses.

The House Transportation Committee last week approved a bill that would prohibit the transport of flammable liquids in unprotected product piping on new cargo tankers in two years and in existing tankers by the end of 2025.

Federal and California environmental regulators have certified 2010 engines of AB Volvo’s two North American brands — Volvo and Mack — the companies said Nov. 16. They are the first engine manufacturers to gain official approval.

WASHINGTON — The chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee said she was preparing to finish work on a new long-term highway bill by next spring while also seeking a six-month extension of the existing law.

Commissioners with the Port of Long Beach, Calif., gave preliminary approval last week to a new drayage truck registration process, the first step toward meeting the obligations of their out-of-court settlement with American Trucking Associations.

WASHINGTON — The nation’s top transportation safety investigator said all commercial trucks should be outfitted with electronic onboard recorders to monitor driver hours.

Security experts say cargo thieves are becoming more selective and organized, which is resulting in a more substantial average loss per incident. Now, fleets are fighting back with anti-theft devices, diligent drivers and increased collaboration.