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.
US Adds a Strong 379,000 Jobs in Hopeful Sign for Economy
WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added a robust 379,000 jobs last month, the most since October and a sign that the economy is strengthening as confirmed viral cases drop, consumers spend more and states and cities ease business restrictions.
US Trade Deficit Rises 1.9% in January
SILVER SPRING, Md. — The U.S. trade deficit rose 1.9% in January as the coronavirus pandemic continued to disrupt global commerce.
ATA, Road Safe America Join in Speed Limiter Regulation Letter
American Trucking Associations and safety group Road Safe America have sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg outlining their support for guidelines for speed limiters for policymakers in Congress and at the Department of Transportation.
New Mexico Takes Steps Toward Embracing Autonomous Vehicles
New Mexico legislators have introduced a bill that one says would set up in statute the authority to regulate and give guidance to the emerging autonomous vehicles industry.
Senators Debate Pandemic Aid Bill Amid Infrastructure Funding Proposals
Senate Democrats aim to advance a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief measure that includes aid for transportation corridors before expanded unemployment benefits expire March 14.
Workhorse Sees ‘Prolonged Process’ to Challenge USPS Action
Workhorse Group Inc. said March 4 it sees a “prolonged process” as it attempts to challenge the loss of a massive U.S. Postal Service contract to build the agency’s next-generation fleet of delivery trucks.
US Jobless Claims Tick Up to 745,000 as Layoffs Remain High
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving.
FedEx Sets Plan for Carbon-Neutral Operations by 2040
FedEx Corp. announced plans to achieve carbon–neutral operations globally by 2040, with vehicle electrification a key tenet of the strategy.
Deputy DOT Pick Trottenberg Would Prioritize N.Y.-N.J. Rail Tunnel
President Joe Biden’s pick to be second in command at the U.S. Department of Transportation pledged March 3 to help the administration prioritize the proposed Gateway rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey if she is confirmed by the Senate.
Granholm Says Oil Industry Must Embrace Green Transition
Jennifer Granholm used her first speech as U.S. energy secretary to warn oil and gas companies they risk being left behind unless they embrace a transition to cleaner sources of energy, while offering them an opportunity to partner with the new administration.
March 3, 2021