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Less-than-truckload carrier Yellow Corp., which is set to become the largest LTL carrier in North America after it acquires Roadway Corp., could find itself facing stiff competition from the parcel sector in coming years because of the changing face of the LTL market, analysts and trucking executives said.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last week proposed requiring operators of longer combination vehicles to have specialized federal training on how to drive with double and triple trailers.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday that its manufacturing survey for August rose to 22.1 from 8.3 last month, as general activity, new orders and shipments all improved.

The Conference Board said Thursday that its index of leading economic indicators increased 0.4% in July, the fourth straight increase.

Two truck makers offering incentives to buyers this summer are looking in opposite directions to increase sales. One company is intent on moving existing 2003 vehicles off dealer lots, while the other’s offer is linked to model year 2004 vehicles.

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Richard DiStasio has been named president and chief executive officer of USF Corp., effective Sept. 15.

The Department of Transportation recently proposed two rules, one that would establish a federal permitting process and operational requirements for certain types of hazardous material shipments, and another that would require more training for entry-level truck drivers.

The Agriculture Department has issued guidelines to protect shipments and distribution of meat, poultry and eggs, about four months after the Food and Drug Administration proposed rules on recordkeeping and detention of food shipments.

Although retail sales of heavy-duty trucks in July trailed year-earlier levels that were swollen by demand for older-model engines, Class 8 sales were sharply ahead of the same month two years ago.