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Truck companies that haul spent nuclear fuel from commercial reactors could face having to equip their tractor-trailers with much-scorned “black boxes” and complying with strict standards to carry the cargo.

The Customs Service's new import-export automation system has been delayed by funding and operational issues, and everyone involved in cross-border trade hopes the old system doesn't crash before the new system is online.

This afternoon's headlines: Hijack ordeal ends for trucker in South Florida; Fuel prices blamed for lower MATS turnout; and Asche auditor says some financial results no longer reliable.

Authorization for the federal highway program will not run out until 2003, yet the Department of Transportation is developing the first surface transportation proposal of the 21st century, with emphasis on intermodalism.

In the news this morning: Intermodal firms see future in consolidation; Police break up heavy equipment theft ring in South Carolina; and Mack-Volvo merger talks are reported, but analysts doubt the rumors.

Roadway Express has until April 12 to tell a federal appeals court why it should not have to turn over employment records to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in a case involving charges that the company refuses to promote blacks or hire women.

This afternoon's headlines: Caterpillar offers fuel-saving driving tips; Logility software helps revamp sporting equipment maker's supply chain; and Survey finds high-tech gadgets becoming popular among owner-operators.

The recently announced purchase of part of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. by DaimlerChrysler AG further complicates the international family of truck makers, but it is not expected to affect the U.S. medium-duty truck market in the near future.

Canadian truckers may get some relief this summer from spiking fuel costs if the provinces will follow the federal government's lead and cut their fuel taxes.