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The price of diesel rose 1.5 cents through the week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, hitting $1.102 a gallon. The national average reported July 5 took fuel to a 17-month high. This has prompted some observers to suggest that rate surcharges have become a serious possibility.

Teamsters union President James P. Hoffa asked workers picketing at 11 Overnite Transportation terminals Friday to go back to work. Company officials called the decision a "surrender," while the union claimed victory.

Employees at two more Overnite Transportation terminals went on strike July 8, bringing the total number of strikers to 1,430 at seven of the firm's 166 terminals, Teamsters union officials said. Earlier, the company flatly rejected the union’s offer of a meeting.

The latest attempt at a long-haul trucker strike, which began with a bang July 5, ended with a whimper two days later. Truckers Against Discrimination organized the stoppage to protest split speed limits, stiffer traffic fines for commercial drivers and lane restrictions.

Members of the Teamsters union have approved an agreement previously made with trucking companies that haul new cars to showrooms across the country. The contract was ratified by a four-to-one margin during a vote Wednesday.

Hampton Roads, Va. leaders are considering tolls and gas tax increases to pay for major transportation improvements. But Newport News Mayor Joe Frank fears they "could have a chilling effect on the exchange of commerce" in the Tidewater Virginia area.

About 1,400 dockworkers returned to their jobs July 8 after shutting down the Oakland port for two days in the middle of contract negotiations. A union spokesman said contract negotiations with port management would resume July 9.

Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads continued to experience service problems in the wake of their joint $10 billion acquisition of Conrail, prompting the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to order them to provide daily information on congestion and the condition of their freight systems.

National average diesel fuel prices jumped to their highest level in 17 months during the week ending June 28, and the surge in diesel prices over the past three weeks has cost trucking companies an estimated $9 million, according to analysts.

The decision to close Interstate 95 in Virginia after a truckload of blackpowder overturned in June has spurred some in the transportation industry to question the preparedness and competency of the nation’s first line of defense when an accident involving hazardous materials occurs.