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The age of Aquarius is here for shippers and motor carriers. Unless both recognize that an effective less-than-truckload distribution system depends upon a collegial approach to problems in each segment of the distribution system, and unless both engage in a friendly and cooperative approach to developing mutually acceptable solutions, the system will deteriorate and neither side will benefit. “Sides” can no longer define the relationship and discussions carried out between shippers and carriers.

General Electric Co. is the world’s most valuable company. Its chairman, Jack Welch, is hailed as one of the most important and visionary business leaders of his time. Truckers, however, view GE in a somewhat different light — a $90 billion corporation with an attitude.

The Confederation of British Industry has called on the Labour government to cut diesel fuel taxes and increase spending on highways, two of the key demands of Britain’s trucking sector.

Truck maker Freightliner Corp. said it will work with Microsoft Corp. to develop strategies for using the Internet. The effort will focus on developing electronic commerce — “e-commerce” — which is to enable Freightliner customers to make transactions on the World Wide Web.

The International Energy Agency is forecasting that oil demand this year and next will be “lower than previously anticipated.”

Trism Inc., a specialist in heavy and specialized hauling, is trying to grow its trucking business by targeting new markets and joining with other companies to provide transportation service.

In what may be a precursor of a congressional debate next year over trucking productivity, four western governors are asking for formal hearings on giving states flexibility to increase the size and weight of trucks on federal highways.

Nevada election officials declared incumbent Harry Reid the winner in an election race for the U.S. Senate that still could be challenged. Trucking executives were watching the outcome closely.

The Clinton Administration signed the Kyoto global-warming accord Thursday, hoping to spur further progress on details of the pact in negotiations under way in Argentina.

More than 2,600 shippers, carrier executives, transportation specialists and others were set to converge in San Diego this week at the 91st annual meeting of the largest shippers’ organization in the U.S., the National Industrial Transportation League.