DOT’s Peters Disavows Commission’s Proposals
WASHINGTON — A congressional report calling for a huge new federal investment in transportation infrastructure financed by hefty tax increases brought sharp opposition from Republicans, including Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, who led the commission.
January 21, 2008Dec. Truck Sales Fall 54.5% to Close Worst Year Since ’03
U.S. truck sales finished their worst year since 2003 last month, plummeting 54.5% from the level of December 2006. For the entire year, U.S. heavy-duty sales during 2007 were 46.8% below the record set last year, according to data supplied by WardsAuto.com.
January 21, 2008Diesel, Gas Dip As Petroleum Prices Retreat
U.S. retail fuel prices dipped last week, as crude oil costs fell. The Department of Energy said the average price for diesel around the nation was 5 cents a gallon lower at $3.326, while gas slipped 4.1 cents to $3.068.
January 21, 2008Bush Calls for $150 Bln. Economic Stimulus Plan
President Bush proposed a growth package of as much as $150 billion Friday to counter escalating risks to an economic expansion now in its seventh year, Bloomberg reported.
January 18, 2008January Michigan Sentiment Index Improves
U.S. consumer confidence rose this month, according to the University of Michigan’s monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.
January 18, 2008Leading Economic Indicators Decline 0.2%
An index of leading economic indicators fell 0.2% last month, the New York-based Conference Board said Friday.
January 18, 2008Safeway’s Fleet to Use Biodiesel
Grocery chain Safeway Inc. said its fleet of more than 1,000 trucks nationwide will run with a mix of biodiesel fuel, the Washington Post reported Friday.
January 18, 2008Rail, Intermodal Traffic Gain
Rail carload and intermodal traffic rose for week ended Saturday compared with a year ago, the Association of American Railroads said.
January 17, 2008Fed ‘Beige Book’ Cites Softer Freight Volumes
Economic activity increased modestly from of mid-November through early January, although demand for transportation services was generally weak, the Federal Reserve said.
January 17, 2008Jobless Claims Fall for Week
Initial jobless claims fell by 21,000 for the week ended Saturday to 301,000, the lowest level since September, the Labor Department said Thursday.
January 17, 2008