Although the new millennium arrived without a hitch, it was an unsettling year for freight haulers as many of the trends that plagued trucking in 1999 — from rising fuel costs to a persistent shortage of drivers — continued to dog carriers in 2000.

After years of study and months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the Department of Transportation unveiled a proposal for reforming hours-of-service rules for truck and bus drivers.

It was a year of decision for independent conferences and professional councils affiliated with American Trucking Associations.

Although the new millennium arrived without a hitch, it was an unsettling year for freight haulers as many of the trends that plagued trucking in 1999 — from rising fuel costs to a persistent shortage of drivers — continued to dog carriers in 2000.

The nation’s largest maker of diesel engines for heavy-duty trucks is sharply cutting back production, laying off 1,000 workers and “fundamentally restructuring” its operations in response to year-end losses and continuing industry consolidation.

Eight days after announcing a blockbuster merger with rival M.S. Carriers of Memphis, Tenn., Phoenix-based Swift Transportation struck another deal that expands its freight-hauling business in the eastern United States.

Contract talks are progressing between the Teamsters and Overnite Transportation Co. and could be wrapped up by early in 2001, union officials said.

Lower oil prices, moderate economic growth and a drop in interest rates should bode well for trucking in 2001 — at least for companies that survive the bankruptcies and consolidations predicted to sweep the industry.

A group representing most of the nation’s car haulers has ended its 65-year affiliation with American Trucking Associations.

Driver pay — a hot topic at the Transport Topics Management Outlook Forum a year ago — is taking a back seat to more pressing issues as carriers struggle with high fuel costs and a softening of freight activity.