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.
Biden Sets Plans for Infrastructure Law, Fighting Inflation
President Joe Biden in his first State of the Union address stressed a long-term vision for the $1 trillion infrastructure bill he signed last year, and discussed domestic and international priorities his administration is targeting.
Europe’s Biggest Logistics Firms Halt Deliveries Into Russia
Europe’s biggest logistics firms halted shipments to Russia, further isolating the country’s businesses and consumers after its military invaded Ukraine.
Labor Department Partners With ATA on Apprenticeship Program
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has partnered with American Trucking Associations for an apprenticeship program that could play a significant role in easing the industry’s driver shortage, and presents motor carriers with an opportunity to directly work with and train new entrants to boost their driving ranks.
WTI Tops $103 as Supply Fears Persist
Oil extended gains after the close as a decision by the U.S. and other major economies to release emergency stockpiles failed to ease concerns of a major shortfall in supplies as sanctions mount on Russia.
Nations Agree to Release 60 Million Barrels of Oil
FRANKFURT, Germany — The International Energy Agency’s 31 member countries agreed March 1 to release 60 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves — half of that from the United States — “to send a strong message to oil markets” that supplies won’t fall short after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
DOT Report Offers Ideas to Ease Supply Chain Disruptions
A Department of Transportation assessment of U.S. supply chain disruptions calls for new policies and utilizing funding resources contained in the bipartisan infrastructure law for such solutions as expanding truck parking and improving warehouse capabilities.
Biden Takes on Ocean Shipping as FMC Sees Market Setting Rates
President Joe Biden is taking on the concentrated market power of ocean shipping companies, although officials at the agency overseeing the industry indicated they lack both the jurisdiction and, for now, any evidence of wrongdoing.
Toyota to Resume Japan Production After Supplier Cyberattack
Toyota Motor Corp. will resume work at all its Japanese factories March 2 after a one-day shutdown, limiting the fallout from a cyberattack on one if its key suppliers.
N.M. Truckers Oppose Bill That Would Enforce Right-Lane Driving
New Mexico’s governor is being asked to pocket veto legislation that would force freight truckers hauling trailers to drive in the right lane on interstates in most circumstances or be fined.
Shell to Pull Out of Energy Investments in Russia
LONDON — Global oil and gas giant Shell said Feb. 28 that it is pulling out of Russia as President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues to cost the country’s all-important energy industry foreign investment and expertise.