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Issues of highway safety, individual freedom and the government’s avowed intention to mandate the use of some forms of safety-related technology on future heavy-duty trucks dominated the discussion during an Dec. 4 forum at the Society of Automotive Engineer’s annual Truck and Bus Conference here.

Because of forecasted increases in online shopping this holiday season, it is likely that retailers will have just as much difficulty getting goodies to children on time as they did last year.

What may have appeared as a Conestoga wagon to the undiscerning eye was actually the trailer bearing the Capitol Christmas tree. The 64-foot Colorado Blue Spruce arrived in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4 after a 10-day trek from Colorado’s Pike National Forest, near Colorado Springs.

Long-haul drivers who work for less in return for being reimbursed for their meals are better off financially than drivers who get full pay and take the meals deduction, said David Goodson, editor of the National Survey of Driver Wages.

There was no magic on display at the Society of Automotive Engineers annual Truck and Bus Conference last week as manufacturers were workign feverishly to build products that meet a variety of looming federal standards.

While trucking has had to deal with more pressing issues like higher fuel prices and a softening freight market, one expert at this year's Management Outlook Forum said driver pay is still a big problem.

In the news this morning: Snow hits St. Louis as winter storm heads east; Logistics.Com selects new CEO; Valeo plans job cuts at U.S. parts plant; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Samsung to put Palm OS on new 'smart' phones; executives see three electronic trends revolutionizing logistics; and a glimpse at the wireless future.

This afternoon's headlines: Texas ice storm causes road delays; Midwest roads slick but still open; former Ford CFO named new GM CFO; and more.