WASHINGTON — Advancements in self-driving vehicles merit a uniform set of guidelines that would ensure the safety of motorists and the smooth connectivity of freight corridors, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), an auto industry proponent, said Jan. 25 ahead of the Washington Auto Show.

America needs new airports, pipelines, sewer systems, bridges and roads, no doubt. But if the funding solution for those projects involves raising tolls or establishing new ones, Americans aren't ready to cross that bridge. So then what? Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.

Responding to President Trump’s insistence he will present Congress with a $1 trillion infrastructure investment proposal this spring, the Senate Democrats proposed an infrastructure plan of their own.

The Senate Commerce Committee on Jan. 24 approved the nomination of Elaine Chao to be Secretary of Transportation.

WASHINGTON — Mike Pence, just days ahead of being sworn in as the country’s new vice president, assured hundreds gathered for the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ annual meeting that Donald Trump will follow through with an infrastructure plan.

Investments in infrastructure are needed across every level of government to accommodate the massive increases in truck traffic and freight demand over three decades, outgoing Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx indicated in his final report as head of the agency.

A new coalition of shippers and retailers led by UPS Inc., FedEx Corp. and Amazon.com plans to call on members of Congress to support the nationwide access of twin 33-foot trailers, a move likely to ignite a contentious debate among lawmakers during the 115th Congress.

Senate Democrats envision agreeing with Republican leaders to proceed relatively soon with a floor vote that would confirm Elaine Chao, President-elect Donald Trump’s designee to manage the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Democrats’ leader told reporters Jan. 19.

WASHINGTON — The co-author of President-elect Donald Trump’s infrastructure proposal told senators that enhancing transportation networks would produce high-paying jobs. On trade, he added that the new administration would quickly examine the North American Free Trade Agreement.