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.
Warren Says Ocean Freight Alliances Add to Inflation
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) blamed rising U.S. inflation in part on the largest ocean shipping companies, calling “the anti-competitive nature” of the industry the root cause of soaring prices to transport goods around the global economy.
USPS Doubles EV Order From Oshkosh
The U.S. Postal Service announced March 24 it ordered more than 10,000 new electric delivery trucks, up from the 5,000 the agency had initially planned to purchase.
Economic Changes Drive a New Trucking Environment, Panelists Say
The trucking industry is starting to normalize as the coronavirus pandemic loses its grasp on the economy, a panel of experts said March 23.
Four States Sign Pact to Develop Hydrogen Hub
New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut agreed to work with about 40 clean power companies, utilities and universities to create plans for a regional hydrogen hub as part of a push to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
White House to Seek Infrastructure, Freight Boost in FY23 Budget
WASHINGTON — The Biden White House intends to seek a boost in funding for infrastructure programs and freight-related grants in its upcoming budget request to Congress.
Safety ‘Areas of Concern’ Remain Consistent, FMCSA Says
Many of the safety trend concerns discussed during the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 21st Annual Analysis, Research and Technology Forum on March 23 echoed those identified at the 2021 forum.
US Initial Jobless Claims Decline to Lowest Since 1969
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week to the lowest since 1969 as demand for labor far exceeds supply and rampant inflation keeps the incentive to work high.
Trucking Sees Little Benefit to Diesel Tax Relief Plans
A move by states to soothe the sting of soaring fuel prices by temporarily suspending diesel fuel taxes has some unlikely opponents: truckers, the very people it’s supposed to help.
States Seek to Ease Inflation Burden With Direct Payments
PORTLAND, Maine — With inflation raging and state coffers flush with cash, governors and lawmakers across the U.S. are considering a relatively simple solution to help ease the pain people are feeling at the gas pump and grocery store — sending money.
Buttigieg Announces $2.9 billion in New Infrastructure Grants
The White House transportation chief made good on promises to simplify access to infrastructure grants by announcing a $2.9 billion funding opportunity that combines three programs.