WASHINGTON - The director of port security for the Coast Guard told industry officials here March 24 that regulations coming next year would require them to assess security risks along truck access roads as well as facilities inside their port areas.

A new Department of Energy policy of buying crude oil to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve without regard to already high prices caused further spikes in fuel prices, said a study by Senate Democrats.

With some motorists paying more than $2 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, industry experts sounded alarms that low fuel inventories could lead to record prices and possibly even shortages during the peak driving season.

The trucking industry paid an estimated $465 million more for its motor fuel last week than in the corresponding week of 2002, thanks to the high prices commanded by diesel and gasoline.

The Department of Energy could release oil from this country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve if the International Energy Agency activates a plan to provide additional oil to world markets in the event of war-related shortages, a DOE spokesman told Transport Topics.

WASHINGTON — As the debate over the what steps are needed to ensure the safety of all freight shipments continues, experts said the use of tracking technology would be a key component of any enhancements.

WASHINGTON — Intermodal freight hauls should replace coal as the top revenue generator for the nation's largest railroads by the first quarter of 2004, said a top rail industry executive.

Trucking industry officials had divided opinions last week over the Transportation Security Administration’s recently announced intention to require locks on all trailers, with some warning it could hurt business and others saying they it would increase security at little or no extra cost.

WASHINGTON — Tougher federal drug laws and increased security at U.S. borders since the 9/11 terrorist attacks have led criminals to shift their activities from drug smuggling to a new focus on cargo theft, bringing sophisticated tactics with them, security experts said recently.

A Customs Service rule requiring maritime carriers to provide a manifest at least 24 hours before ships leave a foreign port for the United States went into effect Dec. 2, but will not be strictly enforced until February, the agency said.