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A Congressional panel established to identify ways to improve U.S. freight transportation efficiency visited FedEx Corp. facilities and the Port of Memphis, Tenn., late last week, meeting with representatives of the region’s freight transportation community.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — A U.S. Department of Transportation official said although progress has been made toward developing a national freight plan, finding funding remains a hurdle.

TransCore’s DAT North American Freight Index for May declined from the same month last year, which had been a record high month, but rose from April, the company said Monday.

The announcement of the roster of the National Freight Advisory Committee provides a reason to be guardedly optimistic the nation is prepared to make tough decisions regarding our transportation needs.

Trucking executives are among the dozens of transportation experts who have been selected to help shape a national vision for freight movement.

The Cass Freight Index, which measures shipment activity in trucking and other transport modes, declined 0.3% in May from a year ago.

The inland Port of Tucson, Ariz., began receiving international freight by rail, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the members of the National Freight Advisory Committee, a diverse group of transportation professionals that will provide advice and recommendations aimed at improving the national freight transportation system.

Trucking continues to be the dominant U.S. mode of freight transportation, hauling 68.5% of freight last year, according to an American Trucking Associations report released Wednesday.