Fuel

The consumer price index rose 0.3% in September, led by increases in food and fuel, the Labor Department said Wednesday.

The Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference said it strongly opposes an “abhorrent” clean-air plan proposed by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. and will sue to block the program if the ports try to implement it, the IMCC told the Federal Maritime Commission.

Vermont leaders expressed dismay at an effort by the Bush administration to oppose new state rules designed to reduce vehicle carbon emissions, amid growing concern the rules will be rejected by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Associated Press reported.

The average retail price of diesel fuel fell 1.3 cents last week to $3.035 a gallon, the first decline after five straight increases, the Department of Energy said.

Forward Air Corp., a contractor to the air cargo industry, said late Wednesday it expects to earn 35 cents 37 cents for the third quarter, down from a year ago.

BAX Global said it is expanding its overnight distribution capabilities between the United States, Mexico and Canada by adding an additional air cargo flight into Mexico, starting next Monday.

UPS Inc. said Monday it was adding 306 alternative fuel vehicles to its “green fleet” by placing an order for 167 compressed natural gas delivery trucks and taking delivery of 139 new propane delivery trucks in North America.

The California Trucking Association said it is advocating a “collaborative strategy” with Southern California port officials to develop an alternative plan for trucks to meet emission goals.