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.
The Glider Truck Is Gone, but Not Forgotten
In its heyday, Fitzgerald Glider Kits was the nation’s top glider truck manufacturer, building and selling thousands of the new truck cab bodies powered by older rebuilt engines.
Senate Deal Includes EV Tax Credits Sought by Tesla, Toyota
A breakthrough deal between Sens. Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin includes the extension of a popular consumer tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles, a big win for EV makers such as General Motors Co., Tesla Inc. and Toyota Motor Co.
US Economy Shrank 0.9% Last Quarter, Its 2nd Straight Drop
WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy shrank from April through June for a second straight quarter, contracting at a 0.9% annual pace and raising fears that the nation may be approaching a recession.
Fed Unleashes Another Big Rate Hike in Bid to Curb Inflation
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve on July 27 raised its benchmark interest rate by a hefty three-quarters of a point for a second straight time in its most aggressive drive in three decades to tame high inflation.
Chipmakers Get $52 Billion in Senate Bill to Boost Domestic Output
The Senate on July 27 passed legislation that includes $52 billion in grants and incentives for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, an industry that has steadily lost ground to foreign competitors in recent years.
Stakeholders Praise Bhatt’s Nomination to Lead FHWA
Key transportation stakeholders expressed support for President Joe Biden’s nomination of Shailen Bhatt to lead the Federal Highway Administration.
Port of Oakland AB 5 Protests Wind Down
Operations at the Port of Oakland have resumed after being paused in the wake of protests from independent truck drivers unhappy with a state law that would reclassify them as employees of motor carriers.
New Rule to Thwart Railroad Efforts to Cut Train Crews
OMAHA, Neb. — Railroads will be required to maintain two-person crews under a new rule announced July 27 that will thwart industry efforts to cut crews down to one person.
Senators Call for Sanctions on Russian Oil Sales to China
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) wants the U.S. to sanction China’s purchases of oil and other energy supplies from Russia in an effort to cut off funding for that country’s war against Ukraine.
FMCSA Accepting Carrier Applications for Apprenticeship Driver Pilot
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as of July 26 is accepting applications from motor carriers interested in participating in the agency’s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program for 18- to 20-year-old truck drivers to operate interstate.