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In this afternoon's headlines: Truckers warn DOT that the proposed drive-hours rule would hurt the economy; Trucking company linked to scandal; Refrigerated carriers call for higher rates; Truck accident at Canadian border prompts calls for faster entry; Modesto, Calif. forum calls for better routes for delivery trucks; and Company offers device to keep moisture out of tires.

In-truck computers to monitor driver hours were endorsed by some of the largest trucking companies in the country when the Arkansas Trucking Association voted last week to support the proposed federal mandate for “black boxes” on trucks.

In the news this morning: Industry leaders are shying away from upcoming cargo theft summit; TIP offers free retrofit to meet reflective tape standards; Mullen Transportation invests in new trucking venture; and Project Arise reorganizes sales force at FedEx.

In this afternoon's headlines: The U.S. Supreme Court to look at cost-benefit study of EPA smog regulations; EPA diesel rules may affect consumers; New Georgia DOT commissioner says he's no puppet for the governor; GE Capital launches web-based fleet reporting; Aggressive Inspection Policy Nets Savings for Transport Service Co.; and Indpendent insurers support HOS rule change.

The National Transportation Safety Board says part of the truck parking problem is that when all the usual spaces are filled, drivers do not know where to go after a day on the road.

A proposal that would require fuel surcharges to benefit independent truckers will get a June 8 hearing on Capitol Hill.

A sharp rise in insurance rates is forcing truck companies to accept more risk as well as incur higher operating costs. The problem could reach crisis levels before long, some observers say, and may even push some truckers out of business.

The national average price of diesel fuel, as reported by the Energy Information Administration on May 22, rose 1.7 cents from the week before to $1.432, marking the second consecutive weekly increase.

The Hub Group of Lombard, Ill., has shelved for now its plans to spin off its distribution services subsidiary, but may put the company back on the market at a later date, according to a Hub executive.

Navistar International Corp., parent company for International Truck and Engine, reported a 2.1% rise in earnings for the second quarter of its fiscal year – mainly due to increased delivery truck sales and engine shipments.