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This afternoon's headlines: Fuel prices drop slightly nationwide, with biggest decreases in the Midwest; NHTSA opens hearing on driver distractions; Swift announces 20.6% increase in second-quarter revenues; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Road safety agency warns against using navigation devices while driving; cell industry to push phone makers to disclose radiation levels; congressional move may solve cell phone tax-area riddle; and more.

After hearing from 700 witnesses at eight public hearings, federal officials say they are skeptical about trucking’s assessment of the effect proposed changes in the hours-of-service regulation will have on the industry.

Investors in stocks of diesel engine manufacturers should worry more about declining orders rather than whether the companies can meet a 2002 federal emissions deadline, said Wall Street analysts.

A drop in shipments of van trailers caused truck trailer shipments during the first five months of 2000 to lag 1999 numbers by 3% after taking three months to draw even with the previous year’s figures.

Since 1995, states have had the option to allow utility drivers to restart their workweek after 24 consecutive hours off. But DOT officials want to eliminate the restart regulation in its hours-of-service proposal, much to the chagrin of utility managers.

In the news this morning: June U.S. heavy truck sales continue to slide; truckload giant J.B. Hunt says fuel surcharges covered most second-quarter cost jumps; Yellow's second quarter earnings rise, beat Wall Street estimates; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: Hours-of-service debate gets ongoing play in national media; CN adds trains to better compete with trucks; trucker shortage has some carriers hiring illegal drivers; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Rising truck sophistication helps carriers retain drivers; leading telecom operators see location-based wireless as the next boom; AOL in pact to provide content via AT&T Wireless; and more.

Amid some confusion over New Jersey’s prohibition against off-route interstate truck movements, state police handed out another 76 tickets to drivers, raising the of number of summonses above 150 since serious enforcement started May 20.