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.
UPS Adds Indiana Airport to Cargo Network
The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority on May 13 approved a long-term lease and easement access agreement with UPS Inc. that will allow the company to begin express air shipment operations later this year.
Police Visit Tesla Plant, Underscoring Confusion on Lockdown Loosening
Police visited Tesla Inc.’s sole U.S. car plant May 13 to assess whether the electric car maker was adhering to safety protocols agreed to with the county that Elon Musk publicly said he would defy earlier in the week.
Emergency Relief Legislation Shifts Focus From Funding Bills
Debates on COVID-19-related economic measures, which dominate the agenda on Capitol Hill, are overshadowing must-pass legislation that would keep the government funded through fiscal 2021.
36 Million Have Sought US Unemployment Aid Since Virus Hit
Nearly 3 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as the viral outbreak led more companies to slash jobs even though most states have begun to let some businesses reopen under certain restrictions.
Small Settlements’ Impact Tops ATRI’s Research Priorities List
The American Transportation Research Institute’s recently announced list of research priorities for 2020 includes several key trucking industry issues, ranging from legal settlements to vehicle-miles-traveled taxes.
Stocks Slide on Powell Remarks, US-China Worries
U.S. stocks slumped to a three-week low after Jerome Powell warned economic risks from the virus are significant and tensions with China flared. Treasuries and the dollar advanced.
May 13, 2020Oil Shrugs Off First Decline in US Inventories Since January
Oil fell despite the first U.S. stockpile decline since January.
Illinois Directs $25 Million to Speed Grants for Infrastructure
Illinois Gov. Jay “J.B.” Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced that $25 million in grant funding will be used to accelerate work on planned infrastructure projects.
FMCSA Extends HOS Emergency Declaration for Second Time
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has again extended its emergency declaration relaxing hours-of-service rules for motor carriers that are providing direct assistance in support of coronavirus-related relief efforts.
House Democrats Propose $15 Billion for State Highway Programs
The country’s transportation agencies would receive a funding boost in a coronavirus economic relief measure House Democrats unveiled May 12.