2002 in review: trucking; closings of A-P-A, CF reflect economic slowdown, higher rates for shippers. (Trucking).(Overnite Transportation Co increases wages.)

JANUARY -- Overnite Transportation Co. gives its workers another Jan. 1 wage increase. Since 1995, Overnite has increased driver wages by 29.3 percent ($4.25 an hour) compared with 12.06 percent wage hikes ($2.10 an hour) for drivers covered by the National Master Freight Agreement ... The American Trucking Associations applauds a drop in truck related fatalities to 2.2 fatal crashes per 100 million miles, a drop from 4.6 fatal crashes per 100 million miles in 1987.

FEBRUARY -- A survey of carriers shows their insurance costs have risen by an average of 37 percent in the post-Sept. 11 transport environment ... The National Association of Independent Insurers calls for the Department of Transportation to develop a detailed operations plan to ensure Mexican trucking companies comply with U.S. safety standards tinder the North American Free Trade Agreement ... The American Trucking Associations offers up a white paper in …