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Long-haul truck drivers would be limited by new federal rules to 12 hours of driving and monitored by electronic recorders, according to a well-placed Transportation Department source.

USFreightways Corp. has agreed to acquire Transport Corporation of America, a large publicly owned truckload carrier based in Minneapolis, for USFreightways stock valued at about $150 million.

Combined Transport has purchased flatbed truckload carrier Sunrise Express of Vancouver, Wash., in a move that is expected to increase revenue by 20% and improve its service offerings.

Hours-of-service reform is so highly politicized that even Washington insiders don’t know what the final rule will look like, said Roger Nober, general counsel for the House Transportation Committee.

New Jersey wants to resume collection of a hazardous waste hauler fee that was struck down and then reinstated by the court, and the state may collect back fees if an ATA lawsuit can't block it.

This afternoon's headlines: UPS in China package venture with sea lines; Insulin-using truckers fight to stay behind the wheel; and Three carriers merge to form The Expediting Co.

Closing arguments have been filed in a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s weight-distance tax, which the trucking industry hopes will end some exemptions for timber and mineral carriers.

In the news this morning: Mexico halts plans to widen border highway; Covenant Transport expands staff, headquarters; and Hino Motors eyes partnership with U.S. truck maker.

Walter Sutton has been named acting deputy administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, replacing Gloria Jeff, who resigned earlier this month to rejoin the private sector.

The national average price of diesel fuel dipped to $1.307 on Jan. 10, the first drop in three weeks, tracking a drop in crude oil prices to $24.23 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.