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.
Trade Deficit Increased to Second Biggest on Record in May
The U.S. trade gap widened in May to the second-largest on record as imports increased faster than exports.
Job Growth Surges Most in 10 Months, Jumping Past Forecast
U.S. job growth accelerated in June, with payrolls gaining the most in 10 months, suggesting firms are having greater success recruiting workers to keep pace with the broadening of economic activity.
House Approves $715 Billion Highway Policy Bill
Legislation that would update the country’s highway and wastewater policies was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 1, an effort by congressional Democrats to advance President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar infrastructure agenda.
Vermont Officials Continue Effort to Keep Trucks Out of Smugglers’ Notch
Vermont transportation officials are leading an effort to keep large commercial vehicles out of Smugglers’ Notch, a twisting mountain pass on which numerous truckers have gotten stuck over the years.
US Factory Expansion Is Solid; Price Gauge Highest Since 1979
U.S. manufacturing continued to expand at a solid, yet slightly slower pace in June while a measure of prices paid for materials jumped to an almost 42-year high.
White House Releases State-By-State Infrastructure Guides
President Joe Biden’s team is intensifying its pressure on Republicans opposed to a bipartisan infrastructure agreement by spotlighting crumbling roads and bridges on a state-by-state basis that the funding could be used to rebuild.
State Jobless Claims Post Larger-Than-Expected Decline
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week by more than projected, reaching a fresh pandemic low and suggesting that dismissals are abating as the economy reopens and labor demand rises.
Perspective: Promoting Inclusiveness Is Every Trucking Leader's Responsibility
Today’s young people want to live and work in diverse and inclusive communities, and are looking for companies that share that vision. U.S. Xpress President Eric Fuller says he can address these issues within his company, but it is the responsibility of all trucking leaders to look out for the industry.
DOT Announces $905 Million in INFRA Grant Awards
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced June 30 that the agency plans to award $905 million in grants through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program.
Mack to Sell LR Electric Refuse Trucks to DSNY
Mack Trucks announced the New York City Department of Sanitation plans to purchase seven Mack LR Electric refuse models, which will operate in each of the city’s boroughs.
June 30, 2021