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Transportation officials said they are optimistic Congress still will pass a long-term highway bill in coming months, but the exact timetable could depend on how quickly lawmakers wrap up debate on other legislation.

Federal regulators plan to offer a new regulation early next year that will prohibit flammable liquids from being transported in unprotected product piping on existing and newly manufactured cargo tank trucks.

Truckload carrier Werner Enterprises said its third-quarter profit fell to $19 million, or 26 cents per share, from $22.5 million, or 31 cents, a year ago.

Prices paid to U.S. producers fell 0.6% in September, the Labor Department said Tuesday.

Heavy equipment and diesel engine maker Caterpillar Inc. said Tuesday its third-quarter profit fell 53%.

Truckload carrier Heartland Express said its third-profit fell 22.5% from a year ago.

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) is calling for a state law that would require truckers using global positioning system devices to use only ones containing truck route information.

Once the economy recovers and freight traffic begins to grow again, the nation needs to look at broad transportation issues that address everything from funding to livability, newly appointed Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said.