March 23, 2015: U.S. refiners buy up last-mile logistics; Ohio truckers pan faster speeds; packing peanuts may hold key to better batteries.

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

• The Bowling Green Daily News profiles the important role the trucking industry plays in the U.S. economy.
• U.S. refineries are getting into the “last mile game” by buying up pipeline and tanker truck networks, notes The Economic Times.
• A trucking and landscape supply company owner shares entrepreneurial advice with local college students, reports Gant Daily.
• Several Ohio trucking companies are calling on the Buckeye state to not raise its speed limits, according to the Dayton Daily News.
• Georgia’s state senate narrowly passes a contentious transportation funding bill, says WXIA 11 News.
• Ohio State University wants to build a CNF refueling depot near its campus, reports The Columbus Dispatch.
• Minnesota Republicans are expected to release details of a new alternative transportation funding plan for the North Star state, according to the Pioneer Press.
• New Jersey Governor Chris Christie downplays the Garden State’s transportation woes, says the NJ Spotlight, sparking much criticism.  
• More fuel efficient “big” pickups may be crowding out the market for smaller models, reports Newsmax.
• Nissan facing NHTSA scrutiny regarding an airbag recall, notes Modern Readers.
• A bipartisan effort is afoot in Congress to strengthen federal freight rail regulations, according to Roll Call.
• Those ubiquitous “packing peanuts” that protect shipments form damaged may hold the key to great lithium-ion battery life, says Engadget; a battery type used to power electric vehicles.
• A new Navy program reports on a year-long effort to tap a group of U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeants to help speed up logistical support to the Leathernecks, reports The Marine Corps Times.