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The Federal Reserve gave a generally positive assessment of the U.S. economy last week as manufacturing and job growth picked up, but the Fed’s report cited some regional slowdowns in trucking and truck manufacturing.

Stronger fuel-economy rules stand their best chance in years of passing Congress, amid heightened concern about gas prices and global warming, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

By Sarah Godfrey, Staff Reporter

The Transportation Department said Monday it has published additional details on safety standards and inspection program in place for its cross-border trucking demonstration program.

Key House leaders gave faint praise to plans for public-private transportation projects, but warned states that such deals should preserve the public’s interest by avoiding price-gouging and restrictions on competing roadways.

Exports of heavy trucks built in North America have risen to 35% of overall output this year, while domestic sales have plunged, analysts and manufacturers said.

Trucking executive Patrick Quinn proposed building a system of dedicated truck-only lanes to streamline freight movement and the idea has been “well received” by members of a U.S. commission.

Refiners will begin producing low-sulfur diesel — or diesel with 500 parts-per-million sulfur — for off-road use beginning this month, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

This Opinion piece appears in the June 4 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.