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In the news this afternoon: One of four family members pleads guilty in hijacking and murder of Maine truck driver; Illinois cracks down on load debris; and Electronic controls to replace camshafts in diesels.

The Federal Trade Commission, bent on keeping Comdata Corp. from limiting competition in the fleet card industry, has obtained authority to approve the company’s licensing agreements.

Truckers crossing the border at Laredo, Texas, will now be able to use a new $60 million bridge located 6 miles north of the downtown area.

In the news this morning: Survey indicates freight patterns likely to change; Mack will appeal $50 million award in crash verdict; and Carriers gear up for new clearance system for freight heading into Canada.

A decision by the Federal trade Commission to drop an investigation takes several port truckers out of immediate legal danger, but leaves their long-term efforts to organize bound in bureaucratic muck.

In the news this afternoon: Innovation lands trucking firm carrier of the year award; Electronic toll systems are easy for some states, difficult for New Jersey; and Safe driver over the long haul.

Truck sales are softening yet deals are harder to put together and profits are slipping. That's the fallout from a red-hot economy and roaring truck sales and it's pinching dealers, says Volvo CEO Marc F. Gustafson.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration underestimates the negative effects that its ergonomic rules would have on trucking, according to the American Trucking Associations.

Maryland put the final touches on its 2000 legislative session last week and six bills pertaining to trucking were passed in the final flurry of action.

With fuel prices falling and major road and aviation projects needing funds, the Senate voted 56-43 last week not to roll back the 4.3-cent a gallon federal excise tax on diesel and gasoline.