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The proposed merger of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Canadian National railroads not only has to survive a review by federal regulators but also sharp criticism from competing railroads and shippers.

The Department of Transportation’s inspector general recommends using recording devices to assist in efforts to improve surface transportation safety, which he says needs to remain a top priority at the agency.

Appointing an impartial director of the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration occupies the top spot of CRASH’s agenda for 2000.

This afternoon's headlines: Calif. county to conduct port traffic survey; Schneider Logistics forms e-commerce alliance with Commerx; and Calif. legislator seeks audit of Caltrans permit office.

The Port of Los Angeles posted a 16.3% increase in container volume in November over the same month in 1998, handling 347,816 units of 20-foot-long cargo containers, port officials said.

In the news this morning: UPS makes software deals with online grocers; Plans to increase Virginia port truck traffic riles up neighbors; and Renault confirms talks with Samsung.

Democratic presidential candidate Bill Bradley visited a Teamsters picket line at an Overnite Transportation terminal in Moonatchie, N.J., last week to garner support from the union.

A new feature of the Transportation Department’s SafeStat system enables motor carriers to check where they rank on the priority list for federal safety compliance reviews.

This afternoon's headlines: Viking hikes fuel surcharges with anotrher increase to follow; Government unions begin to organize private subcontractors; and Peters named head of Penske.

The booming U.S. economy has been a two-edged sword for trucking: nearly full employment is fueling high demand for freight services, but fewer people seem ready to drive trucks at existing pay levels.