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.
Consumers Enjoy Tentative Relief as Supply Chains Unclog
The supply backlogs of the past two years — and the delays, shortages and outrageous prices that came with them — have improved dramatically since summer.
Tax Credits Kick in Jan. 1 for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure, Commercial EVs, Related Items
New tax credits for installing alternative fuel infrastructure or buying new commercial electric and fuel cell vehicles are available from the Internal Revenue Service starting Jan. 1.
District of Columbia Sues Amazon for ‘Stealing’ Delivery Driver Tips
The attorney general for Washington, D.C., is suing Amazon.com Inc., seeking civil penalties for allegedly misleading consumers who thought they were tipping delivery drivers but had the money diverted to cover the couriers’ base pay.
Kodiak Robotics Wins Army Self-Driving Contract
Kodiak Robotics Inc., a self-driving technology company active in trucking, announced in a blog post this month that the Army and the Defense Innovation Unit selected it for a 24-month, $49.9 million agreement to adapt its self-driving platform, Kodiak Driver, for the Army’s robotic combat vehicle program.
Trade Deficit Widens on Greater Imports, Drop in Exports
The U.S. trade deficit widened for a second month in October, as the value of imports increased and exports declined, which may weigh on economic growth in the fourth quarter.
Rising Battery Prices Threaten to Derail the Arrival of Affordable EVs
The trend of falling battery prices has ground to a halt this year, with BloombergNEF’s annual lithium-ion battery price survey showing a 7% increase in average pack prices in 2022 in real terms.
California’s Newsom Proposes Fines on Oil Companies
California could become the first state to fine big oil companies for making too much money, a reaction to the industry’s supersized profits following a summer of record-high gas prices in the nation’s most populous state.
ATRI Study Takes Hard Look at BEV Infrastructure Requirements
A new study from the American Transportation Research Institute that assessed the infrastructure needs for converting the U.S. vehicle fleet to battery electric — with an emphasis on trucking — underscored that the challenges inherent in such a shift will reverberate far and wide.
FMCSA Denies Livestock Haulers HOS Exemption
Federal trucking regulators have denied a joint application request for an exemption that would allow truckers transporting livestock, insects and aquatic animals to drive a total of 15 hours during the 16-hour period following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Diesel Ducks Under $5 a Gallon After 17.4¢ Drop
The national average price of diesel tumbled 17.4 cents to settle at $4.967, according to Energy Information Administration data released Dec. 5.