When lawmakers return to Washington after the November elections, their priority will be finalizing bills to fund operations at the U.S. Department of Transportation and other agencies.

PHILADELPHIA — Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas began walking picket lines early Oct. 1 in a strike over wages and automation.

U.S. dockworkers at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts began their first major strike in decades Oct. 1 in a move that threatens to have downstream impacts on trucking.

Growers already have been struggling with declining farm incomes because of high input costs, global competition and low commodity prices.

Deutsche Bahn said bids submitted by private equity fund CVC Capital Partners remain “inferior” to the winner’s offer, the latest twist in the $16 billion battle for its logistics unit.

A lengthy ports shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages and price increases at retailers as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Key industry and government officials are urging U.S. dockworkers and their employers to avoid a strike at East and Gulf Coast ports, though many facilities are bracing for a shutdown.

Pete Buttigieg, Julie Su and Lael Brainard are reportedly urging the United States Maritime Alliance to get to the bargaining table.

In-store shopping was already on the rise as the retail sector reset after the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming holiday season is likely to expedite the trend.

The union, which represents 1,200 dockworkers, gave 72-hour strike notice on Sept. 27 to the Maritime Employers Association.