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Two years ago, J. Vincent Ciroli Jr. was developing Internet sites for banks. But after talking with a friend, Ciroli became convinced that the trucking industry was ready for an Internet revolution.

Carriers that know their costs and value will thrive regardless of changes brought on by electronic commerce, according to Robert Obee, chief information officer for Roadway Express.

In the news this morning: Freightliner rumored to be in merger talks with Western Star; two Florida men indicted in CDL scandal; highway safety advocates come out against federal hours proposal; and more.

This afternoon's headlines: High Midwest gas costs have politicians up in arms; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to install E-ZPass on George Washington Bridge; Trailer Bridge enables online shipment tracking; and more

The leadership of the Truckload Carriers Association is expected to overwhelmingly sign off on a plan June 20 that calls for the group and its members to pay American Trucking Associations a monthly fee instead of requiring its members to join the federation.

American Trucking Associations last week presented The Maintenance Council with a dues proposal designed to keep the council’s membership intact.

The Department of Transportation says it has no data to support its call for using electronic data recorders to monitor compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations.

The owners, operators and lessors of intermodal equipment need to agree on who should be responsible for its upkeep or the government will do it for them, a top Department of Transportation official warned.

In the news this morning: Pair of setbacks mean more troubles for Hoffa; FedEx Express expands international freight services; Unionized Nevada concrete companies lock out drivers; and more.

Proposed changes to the hours-of-service regulations would cause increased pollution, road rage and divorces but fail to accomplish the stated goal of improving highway safety, according to testimony at a June 15 hearing.