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While proposed changes in trucking’s hours of service are under an intense spotlight, the work conditions of railroad personnel responsible for the movement of trains also have been targeted for reform.

In Japan, narrow streets and regulatory limits on vehicle lengths and weights create an environment for commercial trucking that tolerates only the use of cab-over-engine trucks. That is why COEs, ranging from small, light-duty courier trucks to this country’s equivalent of Class 8 heavy-duty tractors, were the only truck types on display at the 34th Tokyo Motor Show.

More Capitol Hill hearings on railroad freight services and rates are likely no matter which party controls Congress in the next session, but it remains to be seen whether sentiment for any level of re-regulation of the rail industry will grow.

The biannual Tokyo Motor Show is usually a showcase for cars and sport utility vehicles rather than trucks, but the most recent show was dedicated solely to commerical vehicles.

In the news this morning: Crude oil prices rise as heating oil supply drops; 5,000-container backlog at Port of Montreal as trucker strike continues; Volvo to reduce costs by cutting some suppliers; and more to come.

If you're a commercial truck driver, TransportTopics.com would like to know what you thought about voting in this year's elections.

Today's technology headlines: FMCSA expands Web services; ClearCross merging with hazmat handler Atrion; ex-U S West CEO to head wireless technology firm; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: GE Capital links with Innovative Fleet Services to sell used trucks; parts maker Lund International reports greater 3Q loss; truck accessories manufacturer TransCom posts 3Q loss; and more to come.

As the federal government's new ergonomics standard was published Tuesday morning, the National Association of Manufacturers filed the first federal lawsuit to overturn it.