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With expectations of record-shattering orders over the Internet this Christmas, package carriers may want to hire Santa and Mrs. Claus to drive trucks to satisfy the surging demand.

The use of Intelligent Data Bus technology to make electronic systems in trucks more efficient and less costly doesn’t appear to be far off, but several hurdles remain to creating "plug and play" components.

Trailer shipments in 1999 will reach about 302,000, topping the record set in 1998 by almost 8%, according to a survey, but one analyst foresees weakening demand in 2000.

In the news this morning: Canadian National, BNSF rail merger faces lengthy regulatory approval, while truckers are unfazed by the deal; and Kansas trucker wins Goodyear heroism award.

ATA Chairman Walter B. McCormick, Jr. has challenged the railroad industry to engage in a “new dialogue” aimed at “assuring fast, frequent, safe freight delivery” and called for a summit early next year.

A bill authorizing financial penalties for truckers who ignore New Jersey’s route ban for interstate trucks passed the state Assembly Dec. 13.

This afternoon's headlines: Detroit Diesel names new executive vice president; Reefer carrier American Dispatch still searching for a new home; and Fastrans Logistics firm riding high on the Internet wave.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says bridge repair work on Interstate 15 has been completed, ending a two-month-long truck restriction.

A proposed buyout of TransFinancial Holdings by a group of its top executives has drawn fire from a stockholder who said the offer is far below the net asset value of the company.

In the news this morning: Canadian Trucking Alliance president pushes for better roads; Report: Nissan Diesel Wants $2 Billion Loan; and UPS sales up nearly 30% in Latin America.