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Volvo AB and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. have completed an agreement to form an alliance that is expected to open new markets to both manufacturers in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

The leader of the nation’s largest trucking trade association has challenged the railroad industry to engage in a “new dialogue” aimed at “assuring fast, frequent, safe freight delivery” and called for a summit early next year between the transportation modes.

The national average price of diesel fuel provided a little holiday cheer by dropping for the second consecutive week. But the fall to $1.288 a gallon prompted one analyst to warn that the oil market was in a purge-and-binge mindset.

Vicki Carpenter started her career in late 1980s as a truck driver practically standing up in the cab, as she wedged a king-sized pillow behind her on a specially mounted seat so she could reach the pedals while strapped in safely and still have some support for her back.

Trailer shipments in 1999 will reach about 302,000, topping the record set in 1998 by almost 8%, according to a survey.

Sales of Class 8 trucks through November remained strong despite reports of falling orders in October that led one manufacturer to lay off workers recently. The 11-month total for 1999 hit 238,489, crushing the record of 209,483 set in 1998 and keeping pace to reach 260,000 for the year.

When Vicki Carpenter started her trucking career in late 1980s, she practically had to stand up in the cab to reach the pedals. But truck manufacturers are making cabs that better fit the driver.

Trailer shipments in 1999 will reach about 302,000, topping the record set in 1998 by almost 8%, according to a survey, but one analyst foresees weakening demand in 2000.

ATA Chairman Walter B. McCormick, Jr. has challenged the railroad industry to engage in a “new dialogue” aimed at “assuring fast, frequent, safe freight delivery” and called for a summit early next year.

The national average price of diesel fuel provided a little holiday cheer by dropping for the second consecutive week, but one analyst says the oil market is in a purge-and-binge mindset.