���ϳԹ���

The Professional Truck Driver Institute plans to split off from the Truckload Carriers Association after spending four years with the group.

The national average price of diesel fuel dropped for the second straight week, but the price of crude oil was on the rise due to predictions of shortages in the autumn and winter.

The decision by Texas to require a special clean diesel fuel in the Dallas area reawakens trucking’s fear that carriers will have to buy fuel on a state-by-state basis.

The Canadian reaction to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s release of its hours-of-service proposal was subdued in most quarters, more than a week after the unveiling caused a commotion throughout this country.

In the news this morning: Pennsylvania State Police says recent crackdown on Interstate 78 found most trucks had safety violations; Volvo will seek further expansion after buying Renault unit; and Overnite labor hearing delayed until June.

This afternoon's headlines: Canadian safety coalition urges motorists to use caution around big rigs; Analysts say California's transportation needs not being met; and Rhode Island hands out loans to truckers hit by diesel price spikes.

New trailer shipments in February totaled 23,212, a somewhat perkier 132 units more than the same month in 1999. The two-month total of 45,314 for 2000, however, was 1.8% below the 46,123 posted in 1999.

Now that the Department of Transportation’s long-awaited hours proposal is on the table for everyone to examine, the scientific research into fatigue that forms the basis for the government’s revisions will likely become a hot topic of debate.

Oregon officials say the number of truckers cited lacking proper credentials has risen dramatically since the state reduced the hours of operation of its ports of entry.