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Norfolk Southern and CSX Corp. continued to be plagued by late trains last week, despite their hopes that the Independence Day holiday would allow them to catch up on deliveries.

Industry groups have asked California to declassify diesel exhaust particulates as a toxic air contaminant, and the state has indicated a willingness to listen to trucking's latest arguments.

Volvo AB and DaimlerChrysler AG are considering a merger and are negotiating the price, the Swedish business daily Dagens Industri reported Friday. The companies declined comment on the report.

The driver of a truck involved in an Amtrak derailment will be charged with failing to stop for an approaching train, authorities said. David Bubela, 21, of El Campo, Texas, also faces possible citations for failure to have a log book and faulty brakes.

The $1.3 billion settlement between the federal government and six major engine manufacturers accused of cheating on engine emissions tests was approved July 1 by a federal judge.

The price of diesel rose 1.5 cents through the week leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, hitting $1.102 a gallon. The national average reported July 5 took fuel to a 17-month high. This has prompted some observers to suggest that rate surcharges have become a serious possibility.

Teamsters union President James P. Hoffa asked workers picketing at 11 Overnite Transportation terminals Friday to go back to work. Company officials called the decision a "surrender," while the union claimed victory.

More Illinois truckers will be have to retake portions of their commercial driver license tests because of a CDL-selling racket involving state employees. A state spokesman said the 195 truckers will have one opportunity to take a newly written test from July 12 to 16 or face losing their driving privileges.

The Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations and the Engine Manufacturers Association have joined to propose a new standard definition for “premium” diesel fuel, which sets forth requirements for minimum lubricity and thermal stability, among other things.

Highway robbers are banking on the easy prey of unattended trailers, and the black market distribution network has become so sophisticated that the stolen loot can be on a boat bound overseas before the theft is even reported.