Government
Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.
Producer Price Index Sees Biggest Decline Since April 2020
U.S. producer prices dropped in December by the most since the start of the pandemic, extending a monthslong pullback in inflationary pressures and giving the Federal Reserve room to slow the pace of interest-rate hikes.
Diesel Drops 2.5¢ to $4.524 a Gallon
The national average price of diesel dipped 2.5 cents to $4.524 a gallon, according to Energy Information Administration data for the week ending Jan. 16.
DOT Unveils Strategic Safety Plan
Evaluating existing technologies and supporting emerging technologies will facilitate the adoption of safety programs for the country’s mobility corridors, a new strategic plan from the Department of Transportation determined.
Jury Selection Begins for Musk’s Tesla Tweets Trial
A Silicon Valley judge began questioning potential jurors Jan. 17 to hear allegations that Elon Musk cheated Tesla investors by claiming in a 2018 tweet that he had lined up financing to take the electric automaker private.
NTSB Asks Federal, State Agencies to Focus on Reducing Impaired-Driving Crashes
The National Transportation Safety Board has forwarded a list of recommendations to state and national transportation agencies aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related crashes.
New York Extends Length of Commercial Driver Learner's Permits
New York has extended the validity for its commercial learner permit from six months to a year to help offset a shortage of commercial drivers.
FHWA Memo Useful Discussion Tool, Expert Says
WASHINGTON — Biden administration guidance related to maintenance priorities for infrastructure projects is proving valuable in the debate about the federal role in transportation, expert Susan Binder said Jan. 10.
IIJA Implementation Is Ongoing Process, DOT Official Says
WASHINGTON — Distributing funding as part of the implementation of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure law is an ongoing process capable of assisting stakeholders over the coming years.
Can Heavy Electric Trucks Be Deployed Industrywide by 2045?
WASHINGTON — Successful electrification of heavy trucks will require motor carriers to coordinate driver rest periods with charging their trucks, a potential obstacle that could increase carrier operational costs and result in delivery delays.
Truckers Trying to Navigate the Notch Could Lead to a Fine Mess
Vermont transportation officials have a message for truckers seeking to follow their GPS up state Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch and over Mount Mansfield: You’ll get stuck and fined up to $4,000.