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This Editorial appears in the May 24 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.

It took years to beat back the state of Virginia’s ill-advised plan to toll Interstate 81, but eventually it was abandoned. Trucking, and the state’s motorists, breathed a sigh of relief after that tolling scheme was tossed out.

As you’ve heard it said many times, “Without Trucks, America Stops.” And it’s still true. Unfortunately, the trucking industry’s primary advocate has had to formally remind the Department of Transportation of this salient fact.

Thank you to our readers for the many favorable comments we’ve received in response to the special report on CSA 2010 that Transport Topics produced as part of the April 26 issue.

The good news continued to pour in last week, as a string of trucking-related companies reported improving bottom-line results during the year’s first quarter.

Several notices pointing toward recovery in trucking and the economy at large are one pleasant side of the news last week.

It’s wise not to get too giddy, but it definitely appears things are improving for the economy — and for trucking.

It’s wise not to get too giddy, but it definitely appears things are improving for the economy — and for trucking.

The Mid-America Trucking Show this year was miles beyond the somber version last year. The exhibition hall in Louisville was humming last week with new products and rising expectations, reflecting the fact that virtually all segments of trucking are showing signs of recovery.

Congratulations to the governing board that oversees the Unified Carrier Registration program for casting a vote for fairness and good sense by blocking a plan for states to begin collecting fees before the pricing structure for 2010 is set.