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The communications developments that have revolutionized the freight brokerage industry might also bury it as freight brokers fret about the threat posed by load-matching via the Internet.

I2Technologies, a big player in setting up Internet trading sites, announced the formation of Freightmatrix, a marketplace for transportation.

Schneider Logistics purchased Tranzact Systems, a 91ÊÓƵwood, Ill.-based freight payment company, and will operate the business as a stand-alone freight payment and auditing service.

In the news this morning: Carriers appeal STB's rail merger ban; E-commerce deals send Celadon stock up 30%; and LTL carrier Silver Eagle closes its doors.

A second federal judge has ruled that the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General overstepped its bounds for investigating trucking companies for violations of federal motor carrier safety laws.

This afternoon's headlines: CSX rail work to close part of Fla. truck route; and Teamsters puzzled by developments with Associated Wholesale Grocers.

A voluntary private-government partnership program will be announced March 22 by the Environmental Protection Agency aimed at improving air quality.

Opponents of the proposed ergonomics standard came out swinging at the start of federal hearings last week, criticizing the burden the new standards could place on their businesses.

In the news this morning: Impaired driver to get second chance for medical waiver; FedEx faces religious discrimination suit form ex-employee; and Sysco buys FreshPoint Holdings.

The Surface Transportation Board has put a 15-month hold on new railroad mergers while it tries to fashion rules to prevent the problems that have attended the last two major consolidations.