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.
CVSA Sidelines 1,273 Vehicles for Brake Violations
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspectors removed more than 1,200 commercial motor vehicles with critical brake violations from roadways during an unannounced single-day brake safety enforcement operation.
Secret Funding for Plaintiff Attorneys Is On Rise, Experts Say
A controversial practice of financial firms funding litigation for attorneys who sue trucking companies is putting defense attorneys at a disadvantage — and is on the rise.
Truck Drivers Go On Strike in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s largest truck-driver’s union began an indefinite strike July 21, demanding increased cargo rates on the island where 80% of all food is imported.
Startup Couriers Snatch Toehold in Biggest Shake-Up of E-Commerce Era
Surging e-commerce is generating more package deliveries than giant couriers can handle, clogging retailers’ logistical pipelines and frustrating consumers. But the logjam is spawning startups with new ways of speeding deliveries.
UK Has Its Own Truck Driver Shortage
A shortage of truck drivers, exacerbated by Brexit and COVID, is pushing up delivery costs and leading to empty shelves in stores.
Astronaut Pete? Buttigieg is Game
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was excited to see Jeff Bezos’ blastoff into space July 20, describing space travel as a clear trend for the future. It’s a trip he would love to take himself, even if he doesn’t think it will happen in the foreseeable future.
Infrastructure Deal in Peril as GOP Threatens Filibuster
WASHINGTON — The bipartisan infrastructure deal senators brokered with President Joe Biden is hanging precariously ahead of a crucial July 21 test vote as senators struggle over how to pay for nearly $1 trillion in public works spending.
Chip Relief on Horizon for Vehicle Makers
Biden administration officials say they’re starting to see signs of relief for the global semiconductor supply shortage, including commitments from manufacturers to make more automotive-grade chips for car companies that have had to idle production.
DeFazio Blasts Bipartisan Senate Infrastructure Plan
Rep. Peter DeFazio, the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, blasted the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure deal, saying there are “extraordinary deficiencies” in the plan that is backed by President Joe Biden.
New Cybersecurity Order Issued for US Pipeline Operators
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security on July 20 announced new requirements for U.S. pipeline operators to bolster cybersecurity following a May ransomware attack that disrupted gas delivery across the East Coast.