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A softening economy slathered on top of the traditionally slow winter season prompted less-than-truckload carrier Yellow Corp. to lay off 75 full- ime, salaried personnel Jan. 12, according to a company spokesman.

Eagle Global Logistics, the strongly profitable Houston-based freight forwarder owned by EGL Inc., last week acknowledged difficulties that will cause it to take about $90 million in pre-tax charges against earnings and to lay off 300 employees.

Testimony from Norman Y. Mineta during his confirmation hearing last week before a Senate panel on his appointment as President Bush’s transportation secretary contained much welcome news for trucking.

“I’ve been cheated!,” “Add it up again!,” “What a rip-off!” More complaining from disgruntled Democrats? No, those are remarks frequently attributed to trucking company executives referring to towing and storage bills on accident recoveries.

Some towing operators will tell you that one reason they have to raise their rates is because trucking is getting safer. There are fewer truck crashes, they say, but towing’s overhead is only going up.

U.S. truck drivers convicted of offenses classified as felonies in Canada — even though not felonies in this country — now may gain admittance to Canada if they use one of several remedies offered by Canada’s immigration service.

AUSTIN, Texas — The state of Texas was expected to officially enter the railroad business last week when it was scheduled to become owner of South Orient Railroad.

Brown by day, blue at night. These are the colors of Johnny Staats’ life.

Shipments of truck trailers in November continued to follow heavy truck sales on a downward spiral, with vans — the most popular kind of trailer — still leading the descent.

Legal pressures are mounting against Intrenet Inc., the transportation holding company that ceased operations Jan. 2 and formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Jan. 19.