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Executives from trucking companies large and small offered detailed accounts to federal officials last week of the costs their companies would incur if the proposed hours-of-service regulations took effect.

The Safety Management Council will debate integrating the responsibility for cargo claims and cargo security issues into its safety mandate during SMC’s annual meeting, continuing through Oct. 4 in St. Louis.

California port truckers last week staged work stoppages and rallies in Oakland and Long Beach with the help of the Teamsters Union to protest long working hours, poor wages and high fuel costs.

In the news this morning: Paccar reportedly makes bid for Navistar; trucker protests flare in Spain, Luxembourg, Yugoslavia; Norfolk Southern warns on earnings; and more to come.

This afternoon's headlines: Manufacturing activity declines for second month; several drug-testing labs being inspected; Argentina's truckers begin strike over fuel costs

Today's technology headlines: SBC and BellSouth get FCC clearance for wireless venture; PC industry a model for supply chain's effects; Lucent spins off corporate telephone unit; and more.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — While the economy's strength may sustain trucking over the next few years, the industry faces major challenges in high fuel prices, hiring new drivers and coping with new, more expensive engine technologies, a panel of carrier and manufacturing executives said Sept. 22.

California’s Air Resources Board unanimously approved a proposal that would require diesel engines to reduce emissions by as much as 75%, Reuters reported.

Congress recessed Thursday afternoon without formally agreeing to a transportation funding bill, and that puts off until next week further action on a deal that prevents any changes in federal rules on truck drivers’ hours through Sept. 30, 2001.

The Department of the Treasury appropriations bill, that included funding for the Automated Commercial Environment and the Automated Commercial System, was rejected by the Senate despite its passage by the House of Representatives.