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.
Rail Talks Watched as Contract Deadline Nears
As shippers and retailers head into the peak shopping season, ongoing labor negotiations are being closely watched for any signs of disruption, which experts say would have a huge impact on the U.S. economy.
US, Mexico to Cooperate on Semiconductors, Electric Vehicles
MEXICO CITY — Mexico and the United States plan to take advantage of the Biden administration’s massive investment in semiconductor production to push the integration of their supply chains and cooperate on expanding the production of electric vehicles through Mexico’s nationalized lithium industry, officials from both countries said Sept. 12.
Rhode Island to Repave Pothole-Ridden I-295
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has kicked off repaving the state’s Interstate 295 corridor, a key north-south freight route last paved 18 years ago and known as a poster child for potholes.
US Inflation Falls for 2nd Straight Month on Lower Gas Costs
WASHINGTON — Sharply lower prices for gas and cheaper used cars slowed U.S. inflation in August for a second straight month, though many other items rose in price, indicating that inflation remains a heavy burden for American households.
Diesel Drops 5.1¢ to $5.033 in Second Straight Decline
The national average price of diesel slid 5.1 cents to $5.033 a gallon, according to Energy Information Administration data released Sept. 12.
FHWA Nominee at Senate EPW This Week
Shailen Bhatt, a veteran transportation manager picked to lead the Federal Highway Administration, will field questions from members of the Environment and Public Works Committee on Sept. 14. Here's your Capitol Agenda look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
Decline in Demand to Affect Trucking Freight, Economists Say
The upcoming retail holiday season is likely to see slower sales below the surging pace of 2021 as the U.S. economy’s pace of growth slows to a much lower level, which will have an impact on the amount of freight shipped by trucking.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Explores Electrified Road Services for EVs
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is jumping into solar energy production to power its maintenance and office buildings with a long-term goal: using solar-generated power to electrify portions of the toll road so electric vehicles can charge as they travel.
NHTSA Needs a New Chief With Road Deaths at 20-Year High
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is operating without a Senate-confirmed leader again, leaving a void atop the agency tasked with preventing road injuries and deaths even as the number of fatalities moves sharply in the wrong direction.
Biden to Boost Biomanufacturing to Compete with China
President Joe Biden is poised to sign an executive order Sept. 12 to help expand U.S. biomanufacturing and reduce reliance on China.