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Carriers that do not participate in online distribution networks may be left on an island, unable to share in the benefits of electronic commerce, according to panelists at the Transport Topics Management Outlook Forum.

Trucking’s ills and rising shipper expectation that rail services will be more reliable could give railroads a bigger slice of the freight market, according to an official with one of the nations’ top freight brokers.

Final comments on the Department of Transportation’s proposal to change the hours-of-service rules are due by close of business Friday, but at least two trucking groups beat the last-minute rush.

In the news this morning: UPS plans to hit earnings target despite flat shipping season; TransFinancial to close Specialized Transport; Va. governor wants to raise overweight penalties; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Samsung to put Palm OS on new 'smart' phones; executives see three electronic trends revolutionizing logistics; and a glimpse at the wireless future.

This afternoon's headlines: Texas ice storm causes road delays; Midwest roads slick but still open; former Ford CFO named new GM CFO; and more.

The price of diesel fuel dropped 2.3 cents last week following, but not keeping pace with, a steep slide that took the price of crude oil below $30 a barrel for the first time in four months.

A possible government shutdown was averted when congressional Republicans and the White House met Dec. 7, and agreed “to continue talking” about four appropriation bills, including the Labor Department’s plan to institute its controversial ergonomics rules in 2001.

Lower oil prices, moderate economic growth and a drop in interest rates should bode well for trucking in 2001 — at least for companies that survive the bankruptcies and consolidations predicted to sweep the industry.

Marc Gustafson believes it is time for some changes in the way truck manufacturers operate, and as chief executive officer of Volvo Trucks North America, he has begun to implement new practices at his own company.