Safety

The Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday its manufacturing index for December rose to 51.4 from a 49.5 reading, which had been the first contraction in more than three years.

Transportation and logistics firm EGL Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer James Crane and an investment firm offered to take the company private in a $1.2 billion buyout, the company said.

New Canadian hours-of-service rules for commercial drivers took effect Monday, but officials said it was not clear when most provinces would adopt and enforce them.

It looks like the only way the big companies can save face with shippers and receivers is to force smaller companies like us to downgrade our services to match their dysfunctional programs.

Less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight System said late Tuesday it has expanded its regional transportation network to include central and southern states.

The Department of Transportation went from being “very close” to opening the border with Mexico to trucks, to preparing a pilot project to allow such trucks to enter the country, to having the border shuttered indefinitely to Mexican truck traffic.

Fargo, N.D., trucking firm Lewis Transportation, which has employees in at least seven states, is shutting down after 43 years of operation, the Associated Press reported.

BNSF Logistics said Tuesday it acquired third-party logistics firm Pro-Am Transportation Services, based in Jamestown, N.D. Terms were not disclosed.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued guidelines to engine manufacturers governing the use of new technology to meet 2010 emission standards. It also said it will approve pollution rules governing railroad emissions in 2007.

Tech Firm Trimble to Buy AtRoad for $417 Mln. • Trailer Bridge Joins EPA SmartWay Program • CN Gets RFID-Based Chassis Tracking System