Spelunking: Go With Seuss

Most of us grew up reading the words of Dr. Seuss. He inspired us to try new things on trains and boats, told us of the places we'll go and that we can find fun everywhere. Tomorrow is his birthday.

While modes of transportation (okay, and fish) always seem to pop up in his books, one book in particular had 37. In Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!, Dr. Seuss suggests feet, a jet and a zumble-zay as just a few ways to leave.

While we love all the creative modes of transportation, we also love the lessons we can still learn as adults from his stories. In Horton Hatches the Egg, for example, we learn the rewards of being faithful.

So, whether you have a bike, crank-car or mountain mover, get your hands on a Dr. Seuss book this weekend and see how he can continue to inspire you. Not sure where to start? Here are some of the BAT team members' favorite Seuss books:

• Steve Barnes- Green Eggs and Ham, followed by There's a Wocket in My Pocket
• Ralph Blank- Wacky Wednesday
• Lacey Carlson- One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
• Katie Forney- The Lorax
• Marissa Hough- Oh, The Places You'll Go!
• Ashley Jankowski- Fox in Socks or Oh, The Places You'll Go!
• Joe Kier- Hop on Pop
• Cindy Moreno- Fox in Socks
• Krysten Parrish- Green Eggs and Ham
• Maureen Shea- Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Echo: DOT Plans To Improve Freight Travel

In his blog last week, US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood explained plans to help our ecomony by improving the way goods get from here to there.

"If we want our economy to continue growing, we need to move increasing volumes of freight," he wrote. "And that means we need a more comprehensive system of arteries with smoother connections, more efficient transfer points, and planning that integrates our different modes of transportation."

The same day, LaHood announced the establishment of a National Freight Advisory Committee to provide recommendations for improving the freight system. He also announced the creation of a national freight network, which would focus on improving existing roads for our truckers. Both are the result of the transportation bill passed over the summer (MAP-21).

Read LaHood's blog
See the USDOT press release

Echo: Happy Birthday, President Lincoln

Most people remember Abraham Lincoln's role in abolishing slavery and the Civil War. But, he did something else probably still fresh on the minds of 5th graders.

The former railroad attorney connected people and resources of the two coasts of the United States with the transcontinental railroad. While he was dead before the first rails were laid, Lincoln did sign the act creating the railroad in 1862.

Read more about Lincoln and his ties to Union Pacific on the company's website.

Echo: Love This Girl

One 8-year-old girl in the Council Bluffs area did something that really touched us. She cut her hair.

But, that isn't the whole story. She did it to support her father and help kids who lost their hair because of cancer.

Click here to read the story.

Click here to learn more about Locks of Love.

Echo: Union Pacific Stays Safe

Union Pacific Railroad had its safest year ever for employees, the company reported yesterday. The best part? The previous best was the previous year!

Union Pacific touts its employees' commitment to caring, as well as its innovative technology to improve safety. For more information, read the company's press release.

Congratulations, Union Pacific!

Echo: Lawmakers Look At Mileage Tax

Depending on the state and even county, a small chunk of the price on gasoline is taxes to fund projects. Thanks to people either going green or just trying to save money, the taxes haven't raised as much as they used to lately.

As a result, lawmakers are looking at new ways to tax drivers to generate the funds needed. One idea is to tax drivers based on the miles they drive.

Read this Associated Press article about the taxes, and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Echo: Minnesota Tests New Technology To Help Truckers

Truckers are required to stop for a rest to maintain safety, but limited parking makes the task hard on drivers. Minnesota may have found a solution to the problem.

The state's Department of Transportation is testing technology that will let truck drivers know if parking is available at the next rest stop. Testing starts this month with one rest area along I-94, and is expected to expand to the other rest stops once testing is completed in April.

For details, visit TruckingInfo.com.