Business

Truck maker Paccar Inc. said that the company’s president, Tom Plimpton, will become vice chairman, and that Jim Cardillo will become its president, effective Sept. 1.

U.S. economic activity remained generally weak in June and early July, and several regions reported trucking companies were having a hard time recouping higher costs, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

Refrigerated truckload carrier Marten Transport’s second-quarter net income fell to $3.5 million, or 16 cents a share, from $4.3 million, or 20 cents, a year ago.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the Department of Transportation’s fiscal 2009 budget aimed at halting the U.S.-Mexico trucking pilot program.

Arkansas Best Corp. said Wednesday its second-quarter profit fell 17% to $16.2 million, or 64 cents a share, from $19.6 million, or 78 cents, a year ago.

Ryder System Wednesday reported a second-quarter profit of $62.9 million, or $1.10 per share, compared with $65.1 million, or $1.07 per share, a year ago.

The EPA has mandated equipment on our trucks, which adds weight. Why not allow the carriers the chance to recoup the payload?

Vitran Corp. said Wednesday its second-quarter profit fell 16% to $4.6 million, or 34 cents a share, from $5.5 million, or 41 cents, a year earlier.

Commuters at a public hearing Tuesday protested proposed toll hikes for the Delaware River bridge, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday.

Eastern freight railroad Norfolk Southern Corp. said its second-quarter profit rose 15%, as higher revenue per shipment offset an overall drop in traffic and record fuel prices.