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It is said that technology will alleviate the national shortage of truck drivers. Probably not, but that statement illustrates the theme at the Society of Automotive Engineers International’s Truck and Bus Meeting and Exposition in November that technology’s influence in the coming years will reach far beyond the truck.

If a blizzard hits Dec. 31, it likely will have a greater impact on public services and business operations than the much-hyped rollover to the Year 2000.

Stockpiling inventory in anticipation of any Y2K snag may not be on the scale originally predicted, according to carriers and shippers.

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, the nation’s largest freight broker, is buying one of its biggest competitors, American Backhaulers of Chicago for $100 million in cash.

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority wants to raise tolls 26% over the next three years on truckers paying cash at tollbooths, but discounted fares would be available for E-ZPass users.

This afternoon's headlines: Yellow Freight acquisition has Teamsters locals bickering; llinois CDL scandal ripples in New York; and Attorney says shippers' vulnerability grows with deregulation.

Top transportation officers of the military agreed to work with the industry on legislative and regulatory issues and to try to resolve long-festering problems.

Thanks to the Truckload Carriers Association and Compunet Credit Services, more than 200 carriers are using a Web site to research and report their experiences at loading docks.

In the news this morning: OMCS grants more vision waivers; New highway rules take effect in N.C. today; and several Vitron Express employees injured while unloading chemicals from truck.

By Dec. 1, all trucking company employees who use forklifts must be trained in the vehicles’ use under an Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule issued late last year.