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The July 12 issue of Transport Topics reported on the recently passed resolution of the Western Governors’ Association that calls on Congress to allow for longer combination vehicle pilot programs: “Western Governors Back New Pilot Programs to Study Effects of Longer Trailer Combinations.”

Shippers said potential cuts in driving time and total work hours sought by the opponents of the current hours-of-service rule could force costly changes in the supply chain and further tighten capacity.

President Obama signed into law a financial reform bill that includes provisions aimed at reducing speculative trading in commodities such as crude oil and diesel fuel and limiting the fees that credit-card companies can charge merchants for their services.

An index of leading economic indicators fell 0.2% in June, the second drop in three months, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.

Truckers without E-ZPass will pay about 10% more than they do today to run the Pennsylvania Turnpike under a new rate schedule scheduled to take effect in January.

New Jersey has exempted truck drivers using with CBs and two-way radios from its prohibition against using handheld communication devices while driving.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) wants to take the state out of the retail liquor business by privatizing its system of state-owned stores in order to generate much-needed cash for transportation projects.

With President Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress pressing for new stimulus legislation — now called a jobs bill — it’s time to pose this question: If we are going to invest federal money in projects with the stated aim of creating jobs, where is it best spent?

Carrier earnings for the second quarter started off on a positive note last week, with truckload carrier Landstar System Inc. reporting a 37% increase in net income and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. announcing a 52% rise in profit.