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When it comes to avoiding traffic congestion, truckers are at the mercy of their customers, according to studies released at the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 9 to 13.

Government officials will have to tackle some tough issues if they hope to accommodate increased freight on the nation’s highways, Transportation Research Board members wrote in their outlook for the 21st century.

The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking public comment on whether railroad cars should be fitted with reflective materials that would make it easier to see them at grade crossings.

Intrastate truckers must obey the federal hours-of-service regulations for seven days before and seven days after they cross a state line, according to a ruling by FMCSA Acting Deputy Director Julie A. Cirillo.

Cyprus Truck Lines of Jacksonville, Fla., has purchased Ploof Truck Lines and will operate the flatbed truckload carrier as a separate business.

As 1999 drew to a close, shipments of truck trailers continued to run well behind the record pace of 1998, according to the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association.

This afternoon's headlines: Consolidated Freightways misses Wall Street forecast; Northern opposition mounts to BNSF-CN rail merger; and Bill proposed to slow down trucks in Missouri.

In the news this morning: FMCSA still searching for a boss; Arizona House OKs bill on truck speed limits on interstates; and Interstate trucker with stolen CDL is arrested on drug charges.

The Associated Press is reporting that Overnite Transportation Co. is suing the Teamsters for $5.2 million in damages resulting from the 3-month-old strike against the trucking firm.

This afternoon's headlines: Critics rap San Antonio's hazmat route plans; FedEx starts service to East Malaysia; and J.B. Hunt announces safe driver awards.