ASHINGTON — A coalition of truck makers, trailer manufacturers and government officials here showed aerodynamic equipment for trucks and trailers that resulted from a two-year partnership of four major truck makers and the Department of Energy to develop more aerodynamic heavy trucks. br clear="all">

The federal election last week, which gave Democrats control of Congress for the first time since 1994, will shake up the Hill’s legislative agenda as well as the Capitol’s lead-ership, observers told Transport Topics.

Several trade groups are working to revive legislation that would provide a tax-incentive plan for fleets that purchase safety technology for their vehicles, officials told Transport Topics last week.

ALLAS — The top executive of one of the nation’s largest railroads said he would not oppose efforts to increase federal truck size and weight limits, as long as larger trucks pay higher fees to use the nation’s roads. br clear="all">

DALLAS - Examination of crash and incident data by the federal agency that regulates hazardous materials transportation may bolster arguments for limiting hazmat background checks, officials with American Trucking Associations told Transport Topics.

he Government Accountability Office said further testing of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program is needed before it is expanded. br clear="all">

he Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has added congestion relief to its continued emphasis on truck safety in a listing of the agency’s priorities for the next five years and said that industry competition may affect safety.

WASHINGTON — John Hill, head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, said last week the opening of the southern U.S. border to Mexican trucks was on hold for the foreseeable future.

The Public Citizen advocacy group once again criticized the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for increasing the amount of time truck drivers are allowed to drive.

Members of the board charged with crafting a replacement for the Single State Registration System said a recent decision by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration could delay the timetable for completing its work.