91ÊÓƵ

Trucking has faced the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of weather so far through the winter of 1998-99.

More than 15 state trucking association executives were scheduled to meet Jan. 31 in Dallas to discuss the future of their organizations and their relationship with American Trucking Associations.

No decisions are expected anytime soon from a federal judge who is reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency’s settlements with engine manufacturers on emissions testing. While that process is moving forward, a congressional investigation of the settlements is under way.

AB Volvo will use the $6.5 billion Ford will pay for its passenger car division to expand its truck and other commercial products businesses, according to Volvo spokesman Stefan Lorentzson.

The government is looking at moving the responsibility of testing drivers for their alcohol level after an accident.

NASCAR race car driver Mark Martin is shifting gears a little. The career-wins leader in the Busch Grand National Series is now the head of a trucking company, and while he’s accustomed to moving fast, he’s learning that 70,000 pounds of produce can really slow you down.

A new survey, announced at the annual conference of Natso Inc., suggests that fleet managers don’t always practice what they preach. According to the various fueling options available to them, fleet managers choose 61.5% of the time to buy fuel at truck stops, usually not the least expensive option.

The time has come for James P. Hoffa to be allowed to take his place at the helm of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The time has come for the trucking industry to get serious about smoke from diesel engines, and I want your help.

As the major engine manufacturers roll out their 1999 models, the only thing clear is that the equipment issues related to the companies’ settlements with the Environmental Protection Agency paint a muddy picture.