91ÊÓƵ

In the news this morning: Cumminsexpects to beat analysts' earnings projections despite slowing truck market; DaimlerChrysler eyes truck deal with Mitsubishi; and West Virginia truck inspections hit an all-time high.

Industry analysts are eyeing CNF Transportation and Ryder System as potential takeover targets by larger logistics firms.

Cannon Express is jumping on the Internet bandwagon with Carriersco-op.com, an online business aimed at helping smaller trucking companies exchange loads and compete with larger rivals.

This afternoon's headlines:UPS to report gain from sale of stakes in 2 start-up firms; Peterbilt broadens medium-duty truck offering; and Western Star Truck plant shuts down for two weeks.

For the fourth time in the history of the award, two truckers were named National Highway Heroes for their efforts in saving motorists from possible death.

Though it's only been in the light- and medium-duty truck business since 1997, Bering Truck Corp. is making an ambitious move into Class 7 and 8 markets.

In the news this morning: Liberty Mutual Insurance puts driver's education course on CD-ROM for its customers; Teamsters launch TV ad blitz against Overnite; and Diesel costs force Canadian Pacific Railroad to raise freight rates.

HED1 • HED2

A bill to repeal Idaho's weight-distance tax and replace it with higher registration fees received legislative approval from the state House of Representatives on March 31.

The Environmental Protection Agency was criticized last week by Rep. Tom Bliley (R-Va.) for not calling diesel engine manufacturers on the carpet soon enough on the issue of pollution.