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In the news this morning: Federal law expected to halt rate drop att U.S.-Mexico border; Coal haulers test W.Va. weight limits; and Idaho study finds no safety threat from slower,heavier trucks.

Diesel fuel prices surged in the Northeast as cold weather pinched heating oil supplies. The price in the New England region skyrocketed to $1.836 from $1.441 a week earlier.

Much has been written and said about the shortage of qualified drivers facing the trucking industry. But an often underreported problem exists, and that is the equally threatening shortage of truck technicians.

A blast of bitter cold throughout the Northeast is being blamed for a 6.7-cents-a-gallon leap in the retail price of diesel fuel in New England, but the average national price, remained steady.

In recent years, California truckers and environmentalists have tussled over diesel emissions in what could be the opening skirmishes of a coming national war over truck exhaust.

Continuing economic growth and mounting trucking costs, especially for driver pay, will set the stage for higher freight rates in 2000, Management Outlook Forum panelists agreed.

A case of disappearing ink is forcing New York state to recall International Fuel Tax Agreement stickers issued for 2000.

In the news this morning: Ryder System teams up with Job Corps on mechanic program; Samsung confirms talks with Renault truck unit; and Ore. gas tax has mixed effects for trucks.

This afternoon's headlines: NTSB chairman wants better medical exams for truckers; Oshkosh Truck's net income jumps 56%; and Truck use falls while trailer use up in fourth quarter.

United Shipping & Technology, which acquired Corporate Express Delivery Systems in September, has raised $9 million through a private sale of stock and plans to invest it in e-commerce expansion.