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With the transportation industry challenged by extraordinary economic conditions, executives are devoting much time and effort to dealing with factors beyond their direct control, such as escalating fuel, vehicle and equipment costs. I believe they are leaving money on the table by not streamlining back-office processes that can offset these often-unforeseen external costs.

With respect to the senators, when planning the needs for surface transportation, what practical experience do they or anyone reporting to them have in transportation?

Some 10,000 enforcement officers plan to mix a little fiscal accountability with their safety inspections during next week’s Roadcheck campaign, and we hope that is not a bad idea.

NEW YORK — Trucking fleets saddled with potential multibillion-dollar liability for underfunded union pension plans will look to Congress for a legislative remedy this year, company officials and experts said.

NEW YORK — Trucking executives said the uncertainty about new engine technology required to meet federal emissions standards next year would likely keep them from buying many trucks during 2010.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it rejected a proposal to raise Unified Carrier Registration fees for 2010.

For 72 continuous hours covering June 2-4, law enforcement officers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico will conduct commercial vehicle inspections in the annual Roadcheck, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced.

The national diesel fuel average rose 1.5 cents a gallon last week, while gasoline posted a much larger 6.9-cent jump, widening the gap between the two fuels as gas stockpiles declined ahead of the traditional Memorial Day start of summer driving season.

Mack Trucks said it has reached a new tentative labor agreement with the United Auto Workers after more than 19 months of talks, which would cover about 1,700 employees at seven facilities in three states.

NEW YORK — YRC Worldwide Inc. has received relief from lenders who waived an earnings target for the second quarter, and company head William Zollars said the less-than-truckload carrier’s performance is improving because of several cost-cutting moves, including potential pension-payment relief from the Teamsters union.