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.
Biden to Unveil $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Package in Political Test
President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 14 will unveil a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, according to two people familiar with the matter, setting up his first legislative test in the face of a split U.S. Senate and a deteriorating economy.
New President, Congress to Find Bipartisanship With Infrastructure, Lawmakers Say
A number of lawmakers and transportation stakeholders express optimism about the potential for advancing various infrastructure funding initiatives this year.
ATA Donation to Army Museum Shows Industry’s Commitment to Military, Spear Says
The trucking industry is lending its support to the new National Museum of the United States Army.
NHTSA Eyes Exemptions From Some Safety Rules for Self-Driving Cars
President Donald Trump’s administration is starting to update federal motor vehicle safety standards to exempt self-driving cars from crashworthiness standards that are applied to cars operated by humans, a move questioned by safety advocates.
Surging Shipping Rates Pose New Headwind for Global Economy
Shocks to supply chains are engulfing a wider swath of the global economy as the pandemic rages on, threatening to stifle Asia’s trade-led recovery just as soaring freight rates make it harder for businesses to weather another year like 2020.
US Jobless Claims Jump by Most Since March, Approach 1 Million
Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits surged last week by the most since late March, pointing to persistent labor market pain as coronavirus infections continue to soar and potentially adding to momentum for a larger federal stimulus plan.
DB Schenker Halts Deliveries to UK Due to Brexit Trouble
DB Schenker, a major logistics company owned by German rail giant Deutsche Bahn AG, suspended deliveries to the U.K. due to “significant” problems caused by post-Brexit red tape.
‘No Excuse for Failure’ on Infrastructure Policy, US Chamber Leader Says
Approving comprehensive legislation aimed at upgrading the country’s infrastructure systems is a way for the incoming Biden administration to stimulate an economy hard-hit by the pandemic, the leader of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said.
FMCSA Names Members of Its MCSAC Advisory Committee
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Jan. 13 announced this year’s members for its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee, which includes a record number of women as well as its first female vice chair.
EPA Readies Biofuel Waivers, Delays for Trump’s Final Days
The Trump administration is expected to exempt some oil refineries from 2019 mandates to use renewable fuel as it readies possible last-minute moves on U.S. biofuel policy.
January 13, 2021