ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

The Conference Board said Thursday the index of leading U.S. economic indicators rose 0.2% in December, the ninth straight monthly increase.

WASHINGTON — Higher regulatory and operating costs and demands for cost reduction from shippers are the main challenges transportation companies will face this year, executives at a Transportation Research Board panel said here Jan. 13.

The fatal crash rate for large trucks fell in 2002 to its lowest level since the U.S. Department of Transportation began keeping large-truck safety records in 1975, American Trucking Associations said last week.

Public Seeks More Rail Options on I-81 Corridor • Velocity Express Names New CFO • Union Pacific Post Record 4Q Income on Overnite Sale • Housing Starts Surge to Near 20-Year High • And more ...

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission voted Tuesday to raise tolls for commercial vehicles and passenger cars starting Aug. 1, news services reported.

The General Accounting Office has pretty well completed its eagerly awaited report on the economic and environmental impacts of the major change in diesel emissions standards that has roiled the trucking industry for several years.

WASHINGTON — As U.S. highways become more congested and vehicles get more fuel efficient, tolls rather than fuel taxes will become the dominant method for funding transportation improvements and maintenance, finance experts said at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting here last week.

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Department plans to require hazardous materials haulers to provide communications systems for drivers to ensure the safety of their loads, an official of the Research and Special Programs Administration told a transportation forum here last week.

A recent survey by the Virginia Trucking Association of its members and their customers showed that trucking companies would try to avoid Interstate 81 if tolls were imposed on the highway.