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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Superstorm Sandy dramatized the need for better contingency planning to keep products flowing during a major disruption, a supply chain executive said at an industry meeting here last week.

A growing economy and a global shift in manufacturing are spurring investment in Mexico’s freight transportation industry, according to a recent study that said there is a $68.4 billion market for trucking services in Mexico.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mexico continues to become an increasingly desirable manufacturing and freight market for reasons ranging from more competitive labor costs to improved transportation infrastructure, carriers and their customers agreed at an industry meeting here.

The average price for a gallon of retail diesel declined for the fourth straight week, dipping 3 cents to $3.98, which put trucking’s main fuel below the $4 mark for the first time in three months, the Department of Energy reported.

Several lawmakers said last week they would consider raising fuel taxes to shore up the Highway Trust Fund, while an administration official warned against cutting transportation infrastructure programs because that could imperil public safety.

A new federal proposal would allow regulators to shut down fleets that employ officers who have shown an “egregious disregard” for safety regulations.

Heavy-duty U.S. retail truck sales slid for a second straight month in October, dropping 10.7% from a year ago, although the year-to-date volume remained well ahead of its 2011 pace and truck makers characterized the downturn as more of a modest, temporary retreat rather than a collapse.

Truck component maker Meritor Inc. said its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings declined from a year ago and that it will cut its global workforce by about 800 jobs due to weaker U.S. and international markets.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Trucking Industry Mobility and Technology Coalition, is sponsoring a free webinar Dec. 6 on the shortage of truck parking.