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This afternoon's headlines: FMCSA proposes tighter load-securement rules; Intrenet names new chairman; Firestone admits to manufacturing, design problems with some of its SUV tires; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Radiation levels of cell phones to be revealed to U.S. consumers; Hong Kong industry group readies global logistics database; Handspring's phone module for handhelds hits market; and more.

In a key policy shift on the U.S. economic outlook, the Federal Reserve Board decided Tuesday to hold short-term U.S. interest rates steady for now but said risks from economic weakness loom larger than before.

The 106th Congress gave the trucking industry a reprieve by putting the hours-of-service rules on hold in September, but federal lawmakers were unable to reach a similar consensus on ergonomic regulations as their post-election session drew to a close.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed standards for heavy-duty diesel engine emissions in 2007 have produced an argument that has bounced back and forth for months among engine manufacturers, the makers of antipollution devices and oil refiners.

In the news this morning: National diesel average continues to drop; Simon Transportation to buy Westway Express' assets; Cummins expects 4Q loss; and more.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation. Learn the term, if you don’t know it already, because of all the new emissions technologies being discussed, EGR looms closest.

This afternoon's headlines:Volvo-Renault merger gets U.S. antitrust approval; Shrempp says DaimlerChrysler commercial trucks strong; shareholders call off suit over AF/FedEx merger; and more.

Today's Technology Headlines: FedEx, UPS teach dot-coms ways to deliver gifts on time; AOL, Time Warner merger approval carries conditions; broadband wireless said to top $42 billion in 2005; and more.

A surplus in the fund for hazardous materials emergency preparedness may mean that the Department of Transportation will slash hazmat haulers registration fees, at least for a while.