Coronavirus
Planning Expert Emphasizes Health Considerations in Public Policy
Public agencies at all levels of government, including the ones related to transportation, should incorporate health considerations into policy decisions, a planning expert said.
Trucking Fares Better Than Overall Economy, Experts Say
The trucking and freight economy appears to be doing better than the overall U.S. economy as fleets adjust to contend with supply chain changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mnuchin Pushes for Limited Stimulus as Stalemate Persists
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin renewed a push for a more limited next-round U.S. pandemic relief package of “a little more than $1 trillion” on Aug. 12, saying that Democratic demands for spending more could be discussed down the road.
FMCSA Extends Emergency Relief Declaration to Sept. 14
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.
Inflation Quickened in July on Costs of Vehicles, Apparel
U.S. consumer prices rose in July by more than expected on a jump in auto and apparel costs, though inflation remained broadly muted as the pandemic suppressed demand.
Occidental’s Lone Rig Shows Downfall of Permian Basin Oil Giant
Occidental Petroleum Corp. will have just a single oil rig in the Permian Basin in the second half of the year, illustrating the scale of the shale industry’s pullback and the company’s debt woes.
Hertz Seeks Bankruptcy Loan as Car Rental Volume Slowly Recovers
Hertz Global Holdings Inc. is seeking debtor-in-possession financing more than two months after filing for Chapter 11 protection, reflecting the reality that it still faces trouble ahead if travel doesn’t bounce back.
Trump’s Executive Actions Fail to Jolt Stalled Relief Talks
Two days after President Donald Trump moved to implement scaled-down coronavirus relief without congressional approval, there’s no indication the tactic will get Republicans and Democrats back to the negotiating table for a comprehensive stimulus.
USPS Overhaul Challenged by Democrats
The U.S. Postal Service overhauled its organizational structure, as Democrats called for an investigation into whether the changes implemented by President Donald Trump’s postmaster general pose a threat to mail-in ballots for the November election.
Trump Allows Some Unemployment Pay, Defers Payroll Tax
BEDMINSTER, N.J. — Seizing the power of his podium and his pen, President Donald Trump on Aug. 8 moved to bypass the nation’s elected lawmakers as he claimed the authority to defer payroll taxes and extend an expired unemployment benefit after negotiations with Congress on a new coronavirus rescue package collapsed.