91ÊÓƵ

The output of America’s factories, mines and utilities increased by 0.4% in February, according to a government report released Friday -- the second increase in as many months and first back-to-back gains since August-September of 2000.

Canary Urges Government-Private Partnership • Referendum Set on Washington State Fuel Tax • Ga. Interstate Reopened After Wreck • Snowstorm Moves Across Plains States • And more...

In a letter to the president of the Minnesota state Senate, Gov. Jesse Ventura said he would allow a bill requiring the use of biodiesel to pass into law without his signature in accordance with Minnesota state law, the governor’s Web site said late Friday. He said he did so despite concerns about its effect on fuel costs and the fact it is a government mandate.

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner has until April 8 to sign a bill that would allow tolls on existing roads, but it could be years before a proposal to build truck-only toll lanes on Interstate 81 is approved, a state transportation official said.

Inventories in the United States rose 0.2% in January, showing signs that businesses are increasing their stockpiles to meet future demand, a Commerce Department report said Thursday. It was the first increase in 12 months.

Slumping truck sales and a glut of used equipment are giving truck buyers great bargains, but a rising number of defaults and repossessions has also made it more difficult for truckers to get financing.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may ultimately issue new regulations to ensure the safe shipment of hazardous materials by truck, the agency said in a report to Congress March 4.

FMSCA Posts Mexican Truck Rules Online • E.U., U.S. to Meet on Steel Tariffs • Volvo CEO Says Savings Still 'On Track' • Slow Music Safer, Study Suggests • And more...

Canary Tells Ridge ATA Ready for Security Effort • Hazmat Tracking Center Planned • Airlines Get 60-Day Extension of War Insurance • Mineta Swears in Seven Airport Security Directors • U.S. Still Working on Cargo Security Plan • And more...

A chain-reaction crash on foggy Interstate 75 in northern Georgia Thursday morning severed a major north-south artery and claimed several lives, news services reported.