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.
How ATA Stopped the Vaccine Mandate
Join TT’s Dan Ronan as he interviews ATA President Chris Spear and gets a behind-the-scenes look at how ATA took the industry’s case against the vaccine-or-test mandate all the way to the Supreme Court – and won.
February 11, 2022US Urges Canada to Use Federal Powers to End Bridge Blockade
TORONTO — The Biden administration urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government Feb. 10 to use its federal powers to end the truck blockade by Canadians protesting the country’s COVID-19 restrictions, as the bumper-to-bumper demonstration forced auto plants on both sides of the border to shut down or scale back production.
States Get Go-Ahead to Build Electric Car Charging Stations
States are getting the go-ahead to build a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations that would place new or upgraded ones every 50 miles along interstate highways as part of the Biden administration’s plan to spur widespread adoption of the zero-emission cars.
US Senators Introduce Supply Chain Bill Amid Funding Negotiations
WASHINGTON — To alleviate supply chain woes around the country, two senior senators introduced legislation meant to improve the flow of freight at commercial ports.
Jobless Claims Fell by More Than Forecast Last Week to 223,000
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell for a third week as COVID-19 cases continue to drop, solidifying the labor market’s strength after an omicron-induced spike in claims.
Inflation Charges Higher With Larger-Than-Forecast Gain
U.S. consumer prices surged in January by more than expected, sending the annual inflation rate to a fresh four-decade high and adding more urgency to the Federal Reserve’s plans to start raising interest rates.
Yellow CEO Darren Hawkins: Q4 Earnings Show Carrier on Right Track
Yellow Corp. CEO Darren Hawkins told Transport Topics that the less-than-truckload carrier’s recent financial performance demonstrates its moves to rebuild its fleet, secure new business while maintaining existing customers and implement new technologies are setting the stage for long-term growth.
Border Blockage Continues as Some Canadian Provinces Ease COVID Restrictions
TORONTO — A rapidly growing list of Canadian provinces moved to lift their COVID-19 restrictions as protesters decrying virus precautions kept up the pressure with truck blockades Feb. 9 in the capital and at key U.S. border crossings, including the economically vital bridge to Detroit.
Maine Sets $1.8 Billion Plan for Infrastructure Upgrades
Three steel bridges in Maine that cross Interstate 95 and date to the Dwight Eisenhower administration are included in a $1.8 billion plan to overhaul some of the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Driver Drug Violations Increased by 10% in 2021 Over Prior Year
The total number of truck driver drug violations increased by 10% in 2021, compared with total numbers reported in 2020, according to a new federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse summary report.