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When it comes to avoiding traffic congestion, truckers are at the mercy of their customers, according to studies released at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 9 to 13.

Government officials will have to tackle some tough issues if they hope to accommodate increased freight on the nation’s highways, Transportation Research Board members wrote in their outlook for the 21st century.

The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking public comment on whether railroad cars should be fitted with reflective materials that would make it easier to see them at grade crossings.

The Associated Press is reporting that Overnite Transportation Co. is suing the Teamsters for $5.2 million in damages resulting from the 3-month-old strike against the trucking firm.

This afternoon's headlines: Critics rap San Antonio's hazmat route plans; FedEx starts service to East Malaysia; and J.B. Hunt announces safe driver awards.

Federal Express changed the name of its parent company from FDX Corp. to FedEx Corp. and will rename three of its business units to feature the FedEx brand name.

In the news this morning: Mich. produce firm executives sentenced for altering driver logs; Texas turns to lasers to aid in truck safety; and Michigan State Police say truckers aren't all speed demons.

Bush Leasing, a truck leasing and sales company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Jan. 11, citing a failure to restructure its $310 million in secured debt.

This afternoon's headlines: Volvo, Lockheed Martin build heavy-duty hybrid; Rollins earnings hit by acquisition, Y2K costs; and Heartland Express posts higher fourth-quarter earnings.

An Oklahoma Republican is fighting a plan by a Democratic lawmaker that would drastically increase state truck registration costs.