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In the news this morning: Crude oil prices rise after OPEC says production won't increase soon; DCH Technology gives presentation on new fuel cell for heavy trucks; New Jersey group wants local cops to enforce truck laws; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: Bridgestone/Firestone may face congressional hearing over tire recall; TrucktireXchange.com debuts personalized service in 'My TTXchange;' Consolidated Freightways launches new customer website; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Unions threaten to walk out of Verizon talks; supply chain firm Tradiant nets $21 million in funding; and truck equipment makers roll out website to get the industry online.

Orbcomm Global said it has hired Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities to help it figure out how to pay off a $170-million loan due in 2004, plus the interest.

The Department of Transportation moved to salvage its much-maligned hours-of-service rules revision by proposing three more hearings on the proposal, but the immediate response from Capitol Hill indicated that the department’s tactic may be for naught.

The Department of Transportation said Aug. 9 it would set the first-ever standards for the use of performance-based brake testers on commercial trucks, which could give law enforcement agencies a major new tool in the drive for safer highways.

Teleglobe Inc. said last week it will not provide further funds for its money-losing Orbcomm Global LP subsidiary and moved to find a “strategic partner” to help staunch the unit’s losses.

Gerald J.S. Wilde has some disappointing information for government officials hoping to meet their goals of reducing highway fatalities, especially those involving big rig operators.

The show won’t go on as the organizer of Truckcan, touted as the “Biggest Truck Show in Canada,” pulled the plug on Aug. 4.