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.
Kansas City Southern Rejects New Bid From Canadian Pacific
OMAHA, Neb. — Kansas City Southern railroad is trying to keep its $33.6 billion merger with Canadian National on track by rejecting a competing $31 billion bid from rival Canadian Pacific earlier this week.
China’s Port Shutdown Raises Fears of Closures Worldwide
A COVID outbreak that has partially shut one of the world’s busiest container ports is heightening concerns that the rapid spread of the delta variant will lead to a repeat of last year’s shipping nightmares.
Senate Confirms NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy
Jennifer Homendy was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become the National Transportation Safety Board’s chairwoman.
FMCSA Asks 14,000 Medical Examiners to Post Missing Results
Six months after a critical DOT inspector general audit, federal regulators are asking an estimated 14,000 medical examiners to submit the missing results of truck driver exams they conducted during the seven months the National Registry was offline.
Biden Team Seeks Ways to Address Rising Energy Prices
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s administration is moving at home and abroad to try to address concerns about rising energy prices slowing the nation’s recovery from the pandemic-induced recession.
Jobless Claims Near Pandemic Low as Economy Strengthens
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell for a third straight time last week, the latest sign that employers are laying off fewer people as they struggle to fill a record number of open jobs and meet a surge in consumer demand.
Lawsuit Could Delay Replacement for Aging Postal Fleet
The delivery of new USPS trucks set for 2023 could be delayed.
Wholesale Prices Rise in July
WASHINGTON — Inflation at the wholesale level jumped a higher-than-expected 1% in July, matching the rise from the previous month, and dimming hopes that the upward trajectory of prices would begin to slow.
IEA Cuts Oil Demand Outlook on Virus
The International Energy Agency cut forecasts for global oil demand “sharply” for the rest of this year as the resurgent pandemic hits major consumers, and predicted a new surplus in 2022.
Consumer Prices Rose in July but at Slower Pace
WASHINGTON — Prices for U.S. consumers rose last month but at the slowest pace since February, a sign that Americans may gain some relief after four months of sharp increases that have imposed a financial burden on the nation’s households.