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Intermodal freight volume declined 16% in the first quarter of 2009 from a year earlier, in part because of stiffer truck competition for trailer shipments, the Intermodal Association of North America reported.

The debate over future surface transportation policy is likely to be directed by Congress, rather than the Obama administration, several industry lobbyists said following the recent release of nu-merous documents.

Trucking is just beginning to glimpse benefits from the federal economic stimulus program, which could produce about $1.1 billion in carrier revenue over the next two years for moving materials used in infrastructure projects, industry and federal officials said.

Some flatbed carriers said they are seeing scattered volume growth, although weak housing, construction and steel markets continue to dampen demand in the trucking sector that has been hit hardest by the recession.

Heavy-duty U.S. truck sales continued at a dismal pace in April, as monthly volume fell 44.4% from a year earlier, when sales were already declining. Year to date, sales are now 32.5% behind the comparable period of 2008, according to the latest monthly survey from WardsAuto.com.

BOSTON — Volvo Trucks joined the argument over allowing longer, heavier trucks on U.S. highways, saying Congress should allow them on the interstate system to relieve congestion, increase productivity, conserve fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

YRC Worldwide Inc. said last week it was talking with lenders about a possible third renegotiation of its credit agreement, and that it had deferred almost $40 million in pension-fund payments.

Industrial production fell 0.5% in April, the smallest decrease in six months, the Federal Reserve said Friday.

U.S. consumer confidence has improved to the highest level since September, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.