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ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø heating oil delivery carriers would be able to apply for seasonal exemptions from federal hours-of-service regulations under a pilot program proposed last week.

A month after Asche Transportation Services disclosed an alleged theft by the a top official, the company said it is investigating possible wrongdoing by its chairman, Larry L. Asche, and its president, Diane L. Asche.

In the news this morning: Miami drayage strike ends, but issues not resolved; Rhode Island sets up fuel fund for drivers; and Diesel crisis prompts bill for interest-free loans in New Hampshire.

The fall in orders for new trucks and the rise in cancellations have yet to reach the sales side of the market, which was up slightly in January from the same period in 1999.

A Tennessee businessman has purchased the trucking fleet of Idahoan Foods in Lewisville, Idaho, and formed a new company, called Golden Valley Transportation, to provide nationwide truckload service.

Canadian National Railway Co. and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. issued a guarantee to their customers that service will not deteriorate if a proposed merger of the two railroads goes through.

The Ontario Court of Appeal upheld two earlier decisions acquitting Ryder Truck Rental Canada of violating a provincial law that automatically blames truckers for accidents when wheels break off their rigs.

In the news this morning: DaimlerChrysler plans to build new truck plant in U.S.; EU waits for new Volvo moves; and Hyundai eyes all Daewoo Motor/Ssangyong Motor assets.

More than 250 truckers parked their rigs today in Washington, D.C. and took to the steps of the Capitol to ask for federal relief from spiraling diesel fuel prices.

This afternoon's headlines: Discord emerges on OPEC output boost; Shippers, exporters fear massive strike by Canadian owner-operators; and Ryder System takes slow lane to boost profits.