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The U.S. economy expanded at a 4.1% annual rate in the third quarter, the strongest since the final three months of 2011 and up from an estimate of 3.6%, the Commerce Department said Dec. 20.

An index of leading economic indicators increased 0.8% in November after a 0.1% rise in October, the New York-based Conference Board said Dec. 19.

The federal government’s truck size-and-weight study began taking shape last week as researchers outlined how they plan to assess whether larger trucks affect highway safety, pavement wear and modal shifts.

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors voted Dec. 18 to reduce its bond-buying in the first major step to taper the quantitative easing it has conducted to prop up the U.S. economy during the recession.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it is planning to do a field study on split rest times for those who drive sleeper berths.

The New York State Motor Truck Association and the Teamsters have sent a joint letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) urging him to sign a private contractor bill supported by the truckers and labor.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended by 15 days the deadline for public comment on its proposed enhancements to the display information on the agency’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program website.

Consumer prices did not change in November from the previous month, the Labor Department reported Dec. 17.