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.
New England Governors Abandon Pact to Reduce Transportation Pollution
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is abandoning his administration’s ambitious plan to create a multistate compact aimed at dramatically reducing transportation pollution after the deal failed to gain traction in other states.
Jobless Claims Hit 52-Year Low After Seasonal Adjustments
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits plummeted last week to the lowest level in more than half a century, another sign that the U.S. job market is rebounding rapidly from last year’s coronavirus recession.
Non-US Truckers Crossing Border Must Be Vaccinated Starting in January
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will require essential, nonresident travelers crossing U.S. land borders, such as truck drivers, government and emergency response officials, to be fully vaccinated beginning on Jan. 22, the administration is planning to announce.
Biden Administration Asks Court to Allow Vaccine Mandate
The Biden administration on Nov. 23 asked a federal court to let it move ahead with a workplace rule that would require employees at larger companies to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face weekly testing.
Ohio Governor Reinstitutes Pandemic Era Order Easing Oversized Load Permitting
To help address ongoing nationwide supply chain issues, Gov. Mike DeWine on Nov. 23 reinstituted a pandemic-era order allowing trucks to carry an additional 10,000 pounds of freight over the normal 80,000-pound limit without needing a permit beforehand.
US Senate to Debate Social Infrastructure Build Back Better Budget
Senators returning to Capitol Hill after the Thanksgiving recess are scheduled to kick off debate on a nearly $2 trillion budget package that aims to promote severe-weather resilience and reduce congestion across mobility networks.
USPS Hires Hundreds, Leases Extra Space for Holidays
A year after COVID-19 staff shortages delayed mail and packages, the U.S. Postal Service says it is ready for the expected rush of holiday packages and cards.
ATA Leadership, Global Trucking Officials Meet to Discuss Key Issues
Transportation leaders from around the globe discussed shared challenges during the first in-person meeting in two years of the International Road Transport Union, with supply chain snarls, a shortage of drivers and environmental issues at the top of the agenda.
Biden Order Aims to Remedy Supply Chain Bottlenecks Amid GOP Criticism
The Biden White House took another step to resolve supply chain complications, directing federal agencies to prioritize programs and rules that would bolster commercial supply chains, as well as domestic manufacturing.
Business Activity Softens as Supply Constraints Linger
Growth in U.S. business activity softened this month as service providers and manufacturers remained constrained by higher inflation, supply shortages and hiring difficulties.