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The Senate late Thursday confirmed Randy Babbit, former president of the Air Line Pilots Association, as the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Transport Topics Online will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Please check back on Tuesday, May 26, for the latest trucking and freight transportation news.

With respect to the senators, when planning the needs for surface transportation, what practical experience do they or anyone reporting to them have in transportation?

Some 10,000 enforcement officers plan to mix a little fiscal accountability with their safety inspections during next week’s Roadcheck campaign, and we hope that is not a bad idea.

NEW YORK — Trucking executives said the uncertainty about new engine technology required to meet federal emissions standards next year would likely keep them from buying many trucks during 2010.

The Obama administration last week announced stricter requirements for automobile fuel efficiency and a first-ever national greenhouse gas reduction standard for cars and light trucks. Though heavy trucks are not immediately affected, an industry official suggested similar changes could be coming within the next decade.

NEW YORK — YRC Worldwide Inc. has received relief from lenders who waived an earnings target for the second quarter, and company head William Zollars said the less-than-truckload carrier’s performance is improving because of several cost-cutting moves, including potential pension-payment relief from the Teamsters union.

NEW YORK — Trucking fleets saddled with potential multibillion-dollar liability for underfunded union pension plans will look to Congress for a legislative remedy this year, company officials and experts said.

For 72 continuous hours covering June 2-4, law enforcement officers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico will conduct commercial vehicle inspections in the annual Roadcheck, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced.