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 Weighs More Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Including EVs
President Joe Biden’s administration is weighing a tariff increase on Chinese electric vehicles and other goods, according to people familiar with the matter.
US Carmakers Hit Record Gas Mileage, but Below Fuel Standard
U.S. automakers achieved a record average of 26 miles per gallon for vehicles made in the 2022 model year, but still fell short of current fuel standards, according to EPA data on Dec. 20.
Carmakers Fight Air Bag Recall That May Cost $10 Billion
Carmakers like General Motors and Ford are lobbying against an extraordinary push by U.S. regulators to force a recall of as many as 52 million air bag inflators.
LNG Shipping Rates Dip on Lower Demand Despite Red Sea Chaos
It’s getting cheaper — at least for now — to rent a liquefied natural gas tanker despite turmoil in the Red Sea that is forcing some vessels to take longer and more costly routes.
California Pollution Rule Aimed at Logistics Upheld by Judge
A judge has denied a challenge to the South Coast Air Quality Management District's landmark rule intended to clear Southern California skies of exhaust tied to the logistics industry.
Research Shows Tesla’s Autopilot Tech Fix May Also Be Flawed
Tesla’s recall of more than 2 million of its vehicles — an effort to have drivers who use Autopilot pay closer attention to the road — relies on tech that research shows may not work as intended.
Toyota Unit Daihatsu Suspends Shipments Over Safety Cheating
Toyota Motor Corp. said Dec. 20 its subsidiary Daihatsu will suspend shipments of all its vehicles in a safety scandal after an investigation found improper testing involving 64 models.
ATRI: California’s Zero-Emission Goal Comes at High Cost
California’s race to have near-total-zero-emission passenger vehicles and heavy trucks will result in a greater need for electricity at higher prices, an ATRI report says.
Red Sea Chaos Has Shippers Bracing for Weeks Without Route
The global shipping industry is bracing for the prospect of living without its most important trade route for weeks.
December 19, 2023On Regulation Front, 2023 Was a Year of Wins and Losses
Over the last 12 months, Department of Transportation officials have been claiming safety gains, billions of federal dollars for infrastructure improvements, and more.