December 1, 2014: “Roads revolution” in England; Amazon turns to robot army; navigating the “highway of hell” through Islamic State lands

Here is a look at what is happening in the world of transportation this morning:

• The BBC reports that England aims to create a “roads revolution” via a planned $15 billion worth of highway investments.
• Amazon is enlisting the help of a “robot army,” notes WXPR, to help pack and ship goods ordered by customers.
• European Union efforts to pass stiffer truck safety and fuel efficiency rules are getting bogged down, reports Reuters.
• The Washington Post describes the “hell’s highway” faced by truck drivers trying to move goods through areas controlled by the Islamic State terrorist group.
• Drivers at LTL carrier FedEx Freight’s Louisville terminal reject union membership, notes Reuters.
• Trucking companies trade blame for a fatal crash, reports the Athens Messenger.
• Product battles in the pickup truck market have only just begun, according to Automotive News.
• WLTX 19 profiles a Christian ministry that focuses on the spiritual needs of truck drivers in part through the use of a mobile chapel.
• CBS New York chronicled the difficulties faced by truckers attempting to navigate through pre-Thanksgiving winter weather.
• The Insurance Journal profiles a custom truck manufacturer as it readies a slate of vehicles to fight wildfires in remote parts of the U.S.
• Popular Mechanics lists the top 51 trucks of all time – but not everyone agrees with the magazine’s choices.
• Supply Chain Digital reviews the impact of the infamous broker bond increase put in place last year.
• Eurozone manufacturing activity is “grinding to a halt,” notes the Wall Street Journal.
• So-called “Black Friday” retail sales dropped significantly this year compared to the same day in 2013, according to the New York Times.