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, Congressional Dems to Calibrate Build Back Better Act
Legislative components of a nearly $2 trillion U.S. House-passed social infrastructure budget likely will be considered separately in Congress over the coming weeks, President Joe Biden said Jan. 19.
Diesel Surges Again, Up 6.8¢ to $3.725
The national average price for diesel surged for the second straight week, climbing 6.8 cents to $3.725 a gallon, according to Energy Information Administration data released Jan. 17.
Vaccine Mandate Likely Defeated Following Supreme Court Stay
While the U.S. Supreme Court has remanded the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test law for large businesses back to a lower court, trucking industry experts said the high court’s action likely spells defeat for the proposal.
Port of Long Beach Moves Record Cargo Despite Logjams
The Port of Long Beach moved record cargo volumes last year amid an import surge and supply chain snarl brought on by the pandemic.
Robin Hutcheson Selected to Head FMCSA
Robin Hutcheson has been named Deputy Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Jan. 19.
The Federal Response to a Disrupted Supply Chain
By the end of last year, the long-awaited $1 trillion infrastructure policy bill was signed into law, the holiday season saw the vast majority of packages delivered with minimal delays, and the USDOT announced more than $241 million in grants to domestic ports.
January 19, 2022Transportation Committees Prep New Waterways Bill
Congressional transportation policymakers recently announced plans to kick off consideration of legislation aimed at improving the country’s transportation waterways.
Oil Hits Seven-Year High as IEA Turns Bullish on Outlook
Oil climbed to the highest mark since October 2014 as the International Energy Agency said the market looked tighter than previously thought, with demand proving resilient to omicron.
Army Corps of Engineers Gets $14 Billion to Help Ease Supply Chains
The Biden administration on Jan. 19 announced the release of $14 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers to fund 500 projects, with a focus on easing supply chain problems and addressing climate change.
New Vaccine Rules Take Effect at Canadian Border
As of Jan. 15 new, tougher COVID-19 vaccine requirements took place for people to cross from the U.S. into Canada. That applies to truck drivers and other essential workers.