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The number of workers filing initial unemployment claims rose by 8,000 last week to 303,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Attempting to shore up New Jersey’s transportation trust fund, Gov. Jon Corzine (D) has asked the legislature to stop diverting a portion of the gasoline tax to the general fund.

The number of new and used Class 8 trucks in operation in the United States increased 5.7% in 2005, pushed both by rising sales and by fleets’ keeping more used trucks in service, according to data from R.L. Polk & Co.

Bowing to intense opposition in Congress, a United Arab Emirates-owned company signaled Thursday it would end its bid to take over operations at key U.S. ports, the Associated Press reported.

Three big package-delivery firms said this week they have trimmed delivery times and improved performance for their customers.

House members will attach legislation aimed at blocking a deal that would allow a United Arab Emirates company to run key U.S. ports, news services reported Wednesday.

Easier access to more background information about driver applicants is allowing carriers to make more-informed hiring decisions, which reduces the risk of employing drivers who pose a safety or security threat.

Washington state’s Senate has given approval to mandates boosting the use of 2% biodiesel fuel, and the measure is likely to be signed into law, the Associated Press reported.

Federal officials and the transportation industry are seeking to increase shipping on the nation's “maritime highways,” using short-sea shipping as an alternative to trucking, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The House in a close vote Tuesday night passed renewal of the Patriot Act, and President Bush is expected to sign the legislation before major provisions of the law expire on Friday, the Associated Press reported.