Shipments of complete truck trailers and chassis for the first two months of 1999 are down 10% from last year, but have shown a slight growth in orders since January.

Overnite last week rejected attempts by the Teamsters union to reopen negotiations on a benefits package both sides accepted in 1998.

Diesel fuel prices continued to rise last week, making another leap of about 3 cents a gallon, and are closing in on thresholds that may trigger fuel surcharges in freight contracts.

Volvo Trucks North America is extending service to drivers on the road by purchasing a stake in a major owner of truck stops — much as one of its biggest competitors, Freightliner Corp., is doing.

TT File PhotoVolvo is extending service to drivers on the road by purchasing a stake in a major owner of truck stops — much as one of its biggest competitors, Freightliner Corp., is doing.

TT File PhotoDiesel prices continued to rise last week, making a leap of about 3 cents a gallon, and are closing in on thresholds that may trigger fuel surcharges in freight contracts. Though most companies have shied away from invoking the fee, that may not be the case for long.

Diesel fuel prices continued to climb across the United States, with the national average getting a boost from even higher increases in California.

When ATA President Walter B. McCormick Jr. spoke of seeking talks with the Association of American Railroads and its members, I was reminded of a story that has circulated around our two industries for decades.

The search for ways to reduce weights and increase payload is leading truckers to make changes where the rubber meets the road. And it appears there may be less rubber meeting the road.

The Mid-America Trucking Show is billed as “the largest trucking show in North America and the Western Hemisphere.” It is doubtful that any of the nearly 80,000 people who walked the million square feet of exhibit space would argue with that.