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In a speech before members of the American Trucking Associations, former British Prime Minister John Major said he expected oil to drop to close to $20 a barrel within the next six months.

This afternoon's headlines: International to lay off over 1,800 more workers; Terion offering trailer tracking in Mexico; J.B. hunt to provide advertisign space on its trailers; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Tokyo show displays smart trucks and buses; firm offers wireless truck refueling; and buying through the hype of marketplaces, reverse auctions.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will give serious consideration to the American Trucking Associations' proposal for reforming federal rules governing truck drivers' hours of service, an FMCSA official told members of ATA's safety policy committee.

Insurance costs are continuing to push higher, forcing trucking companies to take a harder look at loss-prevention strategies and risk-management practices, a panel of insurance experts told trucking executives Monday.

The Truckload Carriers Association ratified a budget that called for an operating loss of $805,895 for fiscal year 2000/2001.

Truckers will have more than high fuel prices to worry about in the year ahead; they will also face a slowdown in freight demand, rising operating costs and a continuing shortage of drivers, industry executives were told at an MC&E roundtable sponsored by Transport Topics.

In the news this morning: Trailer Bridge reports 3Q loss; soft market results in 3Q loss for Boyd Brothers; cargo revenues boos KLM Airlines' 2Q revenues; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: Navistar to take $300 million charge against 4Q earnings; average diesel prices drop one to two cents a gallon; tanker carrier Kenan Transport reports 11% 3Q boost; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Qwest begins voice portal services; semiconductor maker sees benefits of shared supply chain; rising woes cast doubt on Globalstar survival; and more.