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Authorization for the federal highway program will not run out until 2003, yet the Department of Transportation is developing the first surface transportation proposal of the 21st century, with emphasis on intermodalism.

In the news this morning: Intermodal firms see future in consolidation; Police break up heavy equipment theft ring in South Carolina; and Mack-Volvo merger talks are reported, but analysts doubt the rumors.

Roadway Express has until April 12 to tell a federal appeals court why it should not have to turn over employment records to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in a case involving charges that the company refuses to promote blacks or hire women.

This afternoon's headlines: Caterpillar offers fuel-saving driving tips; Logility software helps revamp sporting equipment maker's supply chain; and Survey finds high-tech gadgets becoming popular among owner-operators.

The recently announced purchase of part of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. by DaimlerChrysler AG further complicates the international family of truck makers, but it is not expected to affect the U.S. medium-duty truck market in the near future.

Canadian truckers may get some relief this summer from spiking fuel costs if the provinces will follow the federal government's lead and cut their fuel taxes.

Citing a federal audit that revealed parts of CSX's rail system were in disrepair, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees claims the railroad has deliberately deferred needed maintenance to make its financial results look better.

In the news this morning: New Canadian customs system system to simplify clearance; Foreign truckers say they're feeling alienated in the U.S.; and Experts consider the future of intermodal rail.

CSX Corp. announced Tuesday that its president, Ronald J. Conway, has resigned to pursue other interests. Chairman John W. Snow will take over the president's duties.

The number of crashes involving trucks took another dive during 1999 as the industry improved its safety record for the second year in the row, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Transportation.