National Average Price for Regular Unleaded Current: $4.243; Month Ago: $3.572; Year Ago: $2.870. National Average Price for Diesel Current: $5.079; Month Ago: $3.979; Year Ago: $3.103.

UPS announced the launch of UPS Global Checkout, an exciting new service that makes it even easier for consumers around the world to buy online from shippers around the world. Until now, international purchases often arrived with an unpleasant surprise – an additional bill for unpaid import costs. UPS Global Checkout solves that problem by guaranteeing upfront the amount online shoppers pay in duties, fees and taxes, and eliminating the frustration of unexpected costs at delivery. UPS is the only global integrated carrier to offer a guaranteed landed cost solution for international shipping that is seamlessly incorporated into its shipping technology, transforming the shopping experience and offering complete transparency on costs. With updates in near real time, the service adjusts to policy changes, international tax laws, duties and tariffs, helping to avoid surprise costs and offering a positive delivery experience. Available in 43 origin countries and delivering to more than 200 destinations worldwide, the service helps businesses of all sizes grow globally by streamlining international shipping.

The American Trucking Associations applauded congressional leaders for introducing legislation to repeal the antiquated federal excise tax on the purchase of new trucks and trailers. “First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear. “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs. Our industry is grateful to Reps. LaMalfa, Pappas, LaHood, Carbajal, and Miller for their leadership on this issue to improve highway safety, reduce emissions, and strengthen our economy.” The FET began in 1917 to help finance World War I. Today, it is the highest percentage federal excise tax – at 12 percent – levied on any product, amounting to a $6 billion annual burden on the trucking industry.