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A proposal that would require fuel surcharges to benefit independent truckers will get a June 8 hearing on Capitol Hill.

A sharp rise in insurance rates is forcing truck companies to accept more risk as well as incur higher operating costs. The problem could reach crisis levels before long, some observers say, and may even push some truckers out of business.

The national average price of diesel fuel, as reported by the Energy Information Administration on May 22, rose 1.7 cents from the week before to $1.432, marking the second consecutive weekly increase.

The Hub Group of Lombard, Ill., has shelved for now its plans to spin off its distribution services subsidiary, but may put the company back on the market at a later date, according to a Hub executive.

Navistar International Corp., parent company for International Truck and Engine, reported a 2.1% rise in earnings for the second quarter of its fiscal year – mainly due to increased delivery truck sales and engine shipments.

The federal government's proposed ergonomics standard hit a roadblock this week when the House Appropriations Committee stripped away all ergonomics funding in next year’s budget.

In the news this morning: BNSF cutting some wheat rates to compete with trucking; Alberta truckers discuss fuel cost management; and high-tech big rig tours North America.

TTNews.com will be closed Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day holiday. Please check back on Tuesday, May 30, for the latest trucking and freight transportation news.

This afternoon's headlines: KLLM board accepts Liles' new buyout offer; Witness in Illinois CDL trial says bribes were not extorted; and trucking company offers reward in driver stabbing at a Minnesota rest area.

The game is on for in-cab computers sales, with everybody and his brother trying to design a device for carriers to install in trucks.