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WASHINGTON — Independent truckers need a fuel surcharge to stay in business, but the federal government has chosen the wrong industry — shippers — to pick up the tab, said witnesses at a June 8 House subcommittee hearing.

The “ultra-low” sulfur standard for diesel fuel and what it could mean to refiners, engine manufacturers and the people who use it will be the subject of a Senate hearing June 15.

Conventional wisdom over the past 20 years has been that competition in freight transportation benefits shippers more than economic regulation, but a new study shows the reverse is true — and it could have widespread effects.

A Senate critic of the proposed ergonomics standards contends more analysis and response time is needed by state and local governments, railroads and the U.S. Postal Service.

A study that attempted to warn of high-risk behavior that could expose long-haul truckers to the human immunodificiency virus drew protests and stormy reaction from many readers, including those who make their living at truck stops.

In this afternoon's headlines: Transportation bill would ban hours-of-service funding; M.S. Carrier's stock gets a lift; trucking yard in California rejected; Michigan township may ban trucks; and more.

The researcher who led the survey on long-haul truckers and their risk of exposure to HIV wants to clarify several things about the findings.

The atmosphere at many of today’s trucks stops differs little from a suburban shopping mall. Truck stops and malls are usually clean, well-lighted places with a wide variety of goods and services for sale and many different opportunities for amusement and entertainment.

In the news this morning: Parker Hannifin to acquire Wynn's Intl.; Idaho trucking firms say federal hours proposals are unworkable; and trucker's insurance company to cover roadway damages in Alabama tanker explosion.

This afternoon's headlines: Rep. Rahall urges highway designers to think intermodal; Peace Bridge Authority, N.Y. residents oppose buyout proposal; and Sens. Voinovich, Breaux draft legislation to force EPA to consider costs of regulations.