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Trucking companies hauling portions of the federal government’s $12 billion a year pallet of civilian freight likely will have to plug into Internet technologies if they want to keep the business.

Citing overly rapid expansion as a problem, Professional Transportation Group will trim its payroll and refocus its efforts on expedited air freight.

A study done by the Oregon Department of Transportation shows that truckers in the state hauling certain natural products paid a flat fee instead of the state’s weight-distance tax – resulting in a collective tax break that totaled $3.575 million in 1999.

New York, though behind schedule, has begun putting some sting to its enforcement of restrictions on how much smoke may come out of diesel engine exhaust stacks.

In the news this morning: Month-long LA transit strike ends; EPA likely to label diesel exhaust a carcinogen; diesel prices surge after two-week decrease; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: Gore-Bush debate on schedule after Mo. governor's death; Caterpillar reports slow 3Q but beats estimates; Dina auto workers end strike; and more to come.

Today's technology headlines: Mobile phones to get text messaging; YadaYada introduces wireless palmtop service; and Qwest unveils price cap proposal.

The transportation appropriations bill that puts off hours of service reform also contains $269 million in funding for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, allowing the agency to boost roadside inspections and crack down on truckers with poor driving records.

Esco Transportation is trying to struggle back from bankruptcy by cutting its over-the-road trucking operations in half and concentrating instead on its intermodal business.

William J. Canary Jr., vice president of intergovernmental affairs for American Trucking Associations, has added the duties of senior vice president for state and federation affairs.