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The financial markets have a complex, convoluted and constantly changing relationship with the Federal Reserve, the institution wielding power over short-term rates.

At least since the virtual coronation of Ronald Reagan as president, the prevailing mythology has been that our federal regulatory agencies are careening out of control, placing needless and unwarranted burdens on American business that stifle economic growth.

Monthly sales totals for Class 8 trucks in the United States have been retreating all year — and, in the final months of the year, the retreat is turning into a rout.

Package-delivery giant FedEx Corp. said Wednesday it will hike rates that it charges for U.S. shipments by an average of 4.9%, effective Feb. 1.

Monthly sales totals for Class 8 trucks in the United States have been retreating all year — and, in the final months of the year, the retreat is turning into a rout.

In the news this morning: Mitsubishi/Volvo medium truck debut planned for 2004; southern ice storm spreads eastward; Trailer Bridge lands DaimlerChrysler shipping contract; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Grocery supply chains prove to be slow and unsteady; B2B communications all the rage in supply-chain management; dot-coms learn from past distribution errors; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: Still more names swirl around top DOT post; U.S. Trucking plans name change, reverse stock split; German truckers push for tax relief; and more.

Officials in Manitoba are considering stringent enforcement tools for repeat drugged and drunken offenders that could include forfeiture of commercial or private vehicles.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans a party Jan. 3 to celebrate its first anniversary, although its critics might prefer a roast to skewer the agency for its performance.