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BEIJING — China is a First World manufacturing powerhouse trapped within a Third World transportation and distribution system.

Xata Pares Losses in 2006 • Ericsson to be Prime Provider of WCDMA 3G for T-Mobile USA • VeraSun Breaks Ground on New Ethanol Plant

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — With Democrats set to take over Congress in January, transportation officials said they hoped lawmakers would back off earlier calls for inspection of all cargo containers and tighter hazardous materials procedures.

WASHINGTON — The legislator who is expected to lead the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the next congress said he opposes giving access to U.S. highways to longer domestic trucks and to trucks from Mexico.

Arrest Made in DOT Laptop Theft Case • Ontario Transportation Minister Supports Speed Limiters, Says New HOS Rules Will Roll Out as Planned • Road Safe America to Promote Drive Safer Sunday at University of Georgia

The University of Michigan said Wednesday its index of consumer sentiment for November fell to 92.1 from 93.6.

First-time U.S. jobless claims rose 12,000 last week to 321,000, the Labor Department said Wednesday.

The total value of construction performed on transportation projects is expected to hit a record $106 billion in 2006, up from $92 billion in 2005, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

Diesel engine manufacturer Caterpillar said Wednesday the Environmental Protection Agency has certified the company’s medium-duty C7 diesel engine to its 2007 emission standard.

Diesel fuel's national average pump price edged up 0.1 cent to $2.553 a gallon, the Energy Department said Monday.