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.
Department of Labor Proposes Withdrawal of Its Independent Contractor Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed withdrawing a rule adopted in the waning days of the Trump administration that was generally perceived to be favorable to motor carriers’ use of independent contractors.
Senate Set to Consider More Biden Nominees
Senators plan to consider nominees for top posts in the Biden administration as early as this month.
McConnell Rules Out GOP Support for Tax Hikes to Pay for Infrastructure
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said there was no chance that Republicans would back any tax increases to pay for President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, leaving Democrats to try to force through a package on their own.
Wisconsin DOT Issues Funds to Support County Forest Roads
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently distributed funds to improve public roads that run through county forests.
Icy Weather Sends Industrial Production Down 2.2% in February
WASHINGTON — Severe winter weather pushed industrial production down a sharp 2.2% in February, reflecting a big decline in factory output.
Ford Partners With University of Michigan on Robotics
A grand opening was held March 16 for the four-story, $75 million, 134,000-square-foot Ford Motor Co. Robotics Building at the University of Michigan.
Illinois Gov. Pritzker Announces $250 Million for Local Transportation
Funds from Rebuild Illinois infrastructure initiative will benefit counties, municipalities and townships.
NHTSA to Investigate Tesla Crash With Tractor-Trailer
DETROIT — The U.S. government’s highway safety agency is sending a team to Detroit to investigate a crash involving a Tesla that drove beneath a semitrailer.
Diesel Climbs 4.8¢ to $3.191 a Gallon
The national average price for a gallon of diesel rose 4.8 cents to $3.191 a gallon, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration on March 15.
March 15, 2021Senators Introduce Trucking Workforce Legislation
Legislation aimed at training drivers younger than 21 to drive trucks across state lines was recently unveiled by a group of senators.