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The National Industrial Transportation League, which focused almost single-mindedly on deregulating ocean carriage, is now looking to tackle problems ashore. NITL President Edward M. Emmett is paying greater attention to surface transportation issues, especially trucking.

Electronic credentialing, in which trucking operations connect directly with state agencies by computer, has been slow in developing. It has a long way to go to live up to its full potential, but regulators and the industry see the program as having significant long-term benefits.

A settlement between the Department of Transportation, Georgia transportation officials and environmental groups will cut off funding for 44 of the 61 road improvement projects in the Atlanta area, including work on interchanges of Interstates 20, 75 and 285.

The strike of an Omaha union against LBT, Inc. continues after scheduled talks this week were abruptly canceled by the company Tuesday. LBT, owned by Canada-based Remtec Inc., makes truck trailers. egotiations this week were aimed at ending a strike that has idled the plant since June 12.

Truckers now can pull into one of 220 truck stops and get in-cab access to the Internet thanks to a new service offered by PNV.net. The company - formerly Park ’N View - offers Internet service as part of a plan to “become a comprehensive connectivity and information provider,” said its CEO Robert May.

Damage caused by clogged air brake valves could be prevented using a product designed to flush contaminants and water from trailer air lines, according to AlliedSignal officials. The company hopes to have the Bendix trailer system-guard air dryer on the market in October.

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.

Carriers, drivers, regulators and truck stop operators grappled last week with the issue of where tired truck drivers can get some rest while on the job. The biggest issues raised during the Federal Highway Administration’s Rest Area Forum were providing information on parking, adding spaces and increasing safety.

Trucking’s top financial executives heard some encouraging words at the National Accounting & Finance Council’s Management Conference and Exhibit Forum June 27 to 29, as one economist predicted that the best is yet to come for the U.S. economy.

Federal officials are considering rescheduling the safety summit that was abruptly canceled in December, but no decisions have been made on when, where or even if the Truck and Bus Safety Summit will actually take place, said Julie Cirillo, program manager for the Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety.