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.
ATA's Chris Spear Touts Issues-First Approach to Infrastructure Bill
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear praised the bipartisan work that carried a federal infrastructure package across the finish line, and stressed that his group will always put issues ahead of politics
House Transportation Leaders Press Freight Rail Safety
The top Democrats on the House transportation panel highlighted workplace safety concerns across freight rail operations shortly after the Biden administration awarded the industry grants to alleviate supply chain woes.
Biden Tells US Oil Refiners Record Profits ‘Not Acceptable’
President Joe Biden told U.S. oil refiners that unprecedented profit margins are unacceptable and called for “immediate action” to improve capacity as the soaring price of gasoline feeds record inflation and fears of a recession.
May Retail Sales Post Drop as Auto Purchases Plunge
U.S. retail sales fell in May for the first time in five months, restrained by a plunge in vehicle purchases and other big-ticket items, suggesting moderating demand for goods amid decades-high inflation.
Diesel Crisis Likely to Stay Unfixed by Oil Refining Revival
A wave of new oil refining capacity that’s coming on stream won’t be enough to solve a global shortage of diesel, jet fuel and similar petroleum products.
Railroad, Union Labor Fight Moves Toward Biden Intervention
Major railroads, including Union Pacific Corp. and BNSF Railway Co., and their unions remain at an impasse after a government board ended efforts to mediate a settlement, a move that will likely force President Joe Biden’s administration to intervene and prevent a strike that could cripple an already-strained U.S. supply chain.
CVSA Asks FMCSA to Require Documents for Hemp Transports
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to amend agency regulations to require that interstate transporters of hemp carry a variety of shipping documents to avoid law enforcement uncertainties.
NHTSA Says 273 Teslas With Automated Driving Systems Have Crashed
DETROIT — Tesla reported 273 crashes involving partially automated driver-assist systems, according to statistics about the industry released by U.S. safety regulators on June 15.
Oregon Alerts Portland-Area Truckers About Diesel Retrofit Law
Oregon officials are reminding some owners of medium- and heavy-duty trucks using engines made in 1996 or older to get a diesel retrofit by Jan. 1.
Biden Signs Ocean Shipping Reform Act
President Joe Biden on June 16 signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a legislative package designed to bolster the domestic shipping industry, and which drew praise from transportation and business leaders.