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.
Diesel Average Drops 3.5¢ to $3.013 a Gallon
The U.S. average retail price of diesel dropped 3.5 cents to $3.013 a gallon, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Jan. 7, even as crude oil prices saw renewed vigor and broached the mark of $50 per barrel.
Trucking Industry Expected to See Slower Growth in 2019
After a 2018 that saw record-setting levels of freight-hauling demand and driver pay as tonnage levels reached a 20-year high, the trucking industry is expected to remain strong in 2019 but undergo a bit of a cool-down, economists say.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of Jan. 7: The DeFazio Era Begins
Oregon Democrat Peter DeFazio was first elected to Congress in 1986. Now as the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will he be the one to orchestrate an infrastructure funding plan? Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
Midwest States Launch Program to Address Truck Parking Issues
A group of eight Midwestern states has launched a system to inform truckers about parking availability along interstate highways. Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin launched the Trucks Park Here program.
Service Firms Grew at Slower Pace in December
WASHINGTON — U.S. service firms grew in December at the slowest pace in five months, a possible indication that various headwinds from turbulent markets to trade tensions could be having an impact on economic activity.
Sears Said to Weigh Liquidation as Lampert’s Bid Falls Short
Sears representatives summoned liquidation firms and other advisers to emergency meetings on Jan. 4 after rejecting Lampert’s $4.4 billion bid to buy and operate Sears stores.
Oil Set for Longest Gain in 17 Months on US Economy, OPEC Cuts
Oil headed for its longest stretch of daily gains in more than 17 months as the U.S. Federal Reserve sought to ease investor concerns, China moved to stimulate its economy and OPEC production cutbacks took effect.
Infrastructure, Trade Loom Large for Trucking in the New Year
Infrastructure and trade loom large for trucking in the year ahead as freight carriers adjust to a slower, but still positive, rate of economic growth in 2019, according to industry experts interviewed by Transport Topics.
Senate Confirms Transportation Nominations
Moments before bringing the 115th session of Congress to a close, the U.S. Senate on Jan. 2 easily confirmed the nominations of Martin Oberman and Patrick Fuchs for posts on the Surface Transportation Board.
Volvo Trucks to Take $780 Million Charge Over Emissions Flaw
Volvo AB, the world’s second-largest truck maker, will set aside $780 million (7 billion kronor) to address a faulty emissions-control component that’s worn out more quickly than expected.