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Today's technology headlines: Software speeds wireless messaging; IBM, Ariba and Microsoft champion new B2B standard; and the Internet is finding its place in long-haul trucking

The $58 billion Transportation Appropriations bill for 2001 was signed by President Bill Clinton Monday. The bill provides money for additional roadside inspections and a large truck crash study, but no funding for hours-of-service reforms.

Sleep researchers say they have found a way for long-haul truck drivers to combat fatigue while still working with the current hours-of-service regulations.

Public access to crash data generated by voice or video recorders on trucks will be restricted if President Clinton signs the National Transportation Safety Board reauthorization bill.

A long-term government study on the effects of diesel exhaust raises more questions about the fuel than answers, say spokesmen for the trucking industry and diesel technology.

In the wake of a sharp drop in sales and profits, Cummins Chairman Tim Solso said the company is considering a major restructuring of its medium- and heavy-duty truck engine business.

In the news this morning: GE merging with Honeywell; USFreightways posts lower 3Q earnings; Paccar beats 3Q estimates; and more to come.

This afternoon's headlines: United Technologies, Honeywell break off merger talks; UPS e-Logistics to open Kentucky distribution center; CES Wireless launches vehicle-tracking technology; and more.

Today's technology headlines: Virtual warehouses seen as cost-saving idea; coming attractions in cell phones; and is OFDM ready for prime time?

By using the Internet to cut deals, the transportation industry is likely to have virtual consolidation without physical consolidation, according to several speakers at a recent e-commerce conference.