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.
Mercedes to Build Its Own EV Charging Network
Mercedes-Benz says it will build its own worldwide electric vehicle charging network starting in North America in a bid to compete with EV sales leader Tesla.
January 5, 2023FMCSA Proposes Financial Security Requirements for Freight Forwarders
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule that establishes financial security requirements for freight forwarders, taking further action on legislation that stretches back more than a decade.
EV Tax Credit Rulings Please Some Automakers, Exclude Others
The U.S. government has angered Tesla Inc.’s Elon Musk and handed welcome news to other automakers like Hyundai Motor Co. with guidance on which electric vehicles will qualify for tax credits in the coming months.
Labor Data Surprises as Job Market Runs Hotter Than Forecast
Data released Jan. 5 reinforced the strength of the labor market, with hiring at U.S. companies far exceeding expectations and applications for jobless benefits falling to a three-month low.
FHWA Announces $2.1 Billion for Four Large Bridge Projects
President Joe Biden on Jan. 4 visited the worn-out Brent Spence Bridge in Kentucky as part of the administration’s renewed push to highlight the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Biden, McConnell Announce $1.4 Billion Brent Spence Bridge Grant
Efforts to improve the Brent Spence Bridge in northern Kentucky took a step forward on Jan. 4 when President Joe Biden announced a nearly $1.4 billion grant toward the Brent Spence Bridge project.
Secretaries Granholm, Buttigieg to Headline 2023 TRB Conference
Biden administration Cabinet secretaries Pete Buttigieg and Jennifer Granholm are headlining this year’s annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board.
Manufacturing Contracts in December for Second Straight Month
U.S. manufacturing activity contracted for a second month in December, capping the steepest annual slide in the key factory gauge since 2008 and helping to further tame price pressures.
Increase of 4.6¢ Halts Diesel’s Seven-Week Decline Streak
The national average price of diesel increased after seven straight weeks of declines, rising 4.6 cents to $4.583 according to Energy Information Administration data on Jan. 2.
Congress OKs $350M for Great Lakes Icebreaker
Congress has authorized funding for a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes, a priority that the shipping industry and Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) have sought for years to fight ice dams in the lakes and surrounding waterways.