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In the news this morning: Logistics analyst says online exchanges will have to decide whether to compete or cooperate with third-party firms; New Jersey town wants state truck ban expanded; and Software developer turned trucker releases upgrade for free drivers log software.

Trucking and other businesses in the mature sectors of the economy will sneeze first if there is an interest rate “flu” brought on after the May 16 meeting of the Federal Reserve.

This afternoon's headlines:Paccar CIO discusses his firm's online ventures; Labor, Industry not pleased with OSHA's proposed ergonomics rules; and Web site looks to match loads for flatbed carriers.

Two industry groups, representing truckers and their inspectors, asked the federal government to allow more time to respond to proposed changes in the hours of service for commercial drivers.

Hours of service, Internet commerce and trucking association politics are on the agenda for the annual meeting of the National Tank Truck Carriers Association.

Despite its imminent purchase by Volvo, Mack Trucks will go ahead with plans to roll out a full line of Class 8 trucks that are designed to provide a “bridge” to the next generation of commercial vehicles.

A House appropriations subcommittee granted the Department of Transportation another $605 million for 2001, boosting DOT’s overall spending plan to $55.2 billion, or about $5.2 billion over 2000.

In the news this morning: Truckers in California being hit with higher insurance premiums; New York investment house raises its stake in Navistar; and Barrels of sodium cyanide stolen from a big rig lead to evacuations in New York.

About one in six long-haul truckload carriers are yielding to the pressure to increase driver wages, according to a recent survey.

The Professional Truck Driver Institute plans to split off from the Truckload Carriers Association after spending four years with the group.