An array of anti-terrorism measures under development in the United States has industry and government officials in Canada concerned that truck traffic between the two countries could be stifled by regulatory overlap, if not overkill.

ARLINGTON, Va. - Supply chain security experts say that only a small number of U.S. freight companies have contingency plans for what to do in case another terrorist attack or other event disrupts the flow of freight transportation.

The trade community of manufacturers, importer-exporters, customs brokers, carriers and logistics companies has improved cargo security since 9/11, although the ever-expanding international networks can never be made completely invulnerable to terrorist attacks, according to supply chain and security experts.

Congested highways, high tolls and narrow, traffic-choked streets coupled with more wear and tear from antiquated roadways in the crowded northeastern states, especially in and around New York City, make trucking costs higher there than elsewhere in the country.

Trucking executives were scheduled to meet last week with U.S. Customs Service officials to iron out details of two programs intended to speed the flow of freight and halt potentially suspicious cross-border shipments between the United States and Canada.

Consolidated Freightways Corp. has completed delivery of freight that remained in its system and has shut down its U.S. trucking operations, the company said Oct. 10.

Maryland and Delaware State Police combined to thwart an alleged cargo theft ring last week after a trucking company owner reported that two trailers equipped with tracking technology had been stolen from his lot.

The average U.S. retail price of diesel fuel rose Monday for the eighth consecutive week, by 2.2 cents to $1.46 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kansas Gov. Bill Graves urged groups interested in federal highway programs to work closely together to build support for federal spending and to avoid elbowing each other out of the process.

WASHINGTON - The House Appropriations Committee considered $27 million in new trucking security funding for 2003 last week, as Congress wrangled over appropriations that could freeze spending at 2002 levels.