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This afternoon's headlines: Texas ice storm causes road delays; Midwest roads slick but still open; former Ford CFO named new GM CFO; and more.

The price of diesel fuel dropped 2.3 cents last week following, but not keeping pace with, a steep slide that took the price of crude oil below $30 a barrel for the first time in four months.

A possible government shutdown was averted when congressional Republicans and the White House met Dec. 7, and agreed “to continue talking” about four appropriation bills, including the Labor Department’s plan to institute its controversial ergonomics rules in 2001.

Lower oil prices, moderate economic growth and a drop in interest rates should bode well for trucking in 2001 — at least for companies that survive the bankruptcies and consolidations predicted to sweep the industry.

Marc Gustafson believes it is time for some changes in the way truck manufacturers operate, and as chief executive officer of Volvo Trucks North America, he has begun to implement new practices at his own company.

Final comments on the Department of Transportation’s proposal to change the hours-of-service rules are due by close of business Dec. 15, but at least two trucking groups beat the last-minute rush. National Tank Truck Carriers and the Distribution & LTL Carriers Association filed in late November, requesting a review of driver on-duty time and the costs of implementing the rule changes.

A group representing most of the nation’s car haulers has ended its 65-year affiliation with American Trucking Associations.

Mexican trucks will not be rolling into the United States anytime soon, contrary to what recent news reports may have suggested, an expert on the North American Free Trade Agreement said.

A news report from Mexico City Mexico City quoted an unidentified U.S. Department of Transportation official as saying the United States will appeal a decision of the North American Free Trade Agreement arbitration panel which found fault with the U.S. refusal to open the border with Mexico to international trucking.

A trucking feud, ignited over the remains of a bankrupt motor carrier, has been settled by the parties without a shot being fired, but not before a Tennessee court became involved.