Government

About Government News...

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.

Government, Business, Fuel

Biden Officials Weigh Buying Oil at Around $80 to Refill Reserves

The U.S. may begin refilling its emergency oil reserve when crude prices dip below $80 a barrel, according to people familiar with the matter.

September 13, 2022

Daily Briefings from Transport Topics

Transport Topics has partnered with Spoken Layer to make one-minute daily briefings available on all your smart devices. Simply say “Alexa, play Transport Topics” or “Okay Google, talk to Transport Topics” to get the day’s biggest trucking headlines.

Government, Business, Logistics

White House Weighs Emergency Decree for Rails if There’s a Strike

The White House is considering the use of emergency powers to ensure critical materials, such as chlorine for wastewater treatment plants, can be delivered in the event of a freight rail worker strike in order to avoid devastating disruptions to services.

September 13, 2022
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

Rail Talks Watched as Contract Deadline Nears

As shippers and retailers head into the peak shopping season, ongoing labor negotiations are being closely watched for any signs of disruption, which experts say would have a huge impact on the U.S. economy.

Dan Ronan | Senior Reporter
September 13, 2022
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment

US, Mexico to Cooperate on Semiconductors, Electric Vehicles

MEXICO CITY — Mexico and the United States plan to take advantage of the Biden administration’s massive investment in semiconductor production to push the integration of their supply chains and cooperate on expanding the production of electric vehicles through Mexico’s nationalized lithium industry, officials from both countries said Sept. 12.

September 13, 2022
Government, Safety

Rhode Island to Repave Pothole-Ridden I-295

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has kicked off repaving the state’s Interstate 295 corridor, a key north-south freight route last paved 18 years ago and known as a poster child for potholes.

Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter
September 13, 2022
Government, Business, Fuel

US Inflation Falls for 2nd Straight Month on Lower Gas Costs

WASHINGTON — Sharply lower prices for gas and cheaper used cars slowed U.S. inflation in August for a second straight month, though many other items rose in price, indicating that inflation remains a heavy burden for American households.

Christopher Rugaber | Associated Press
September 13, 2022
Government, Fuel

Diesel Drops 5.1¢ to $5.033 in Second Straight Decline

The national average price of diesel slid 5.1 cents to $5.033 a gallon, according to Energy Information Administration data released Sept. 12.

Connor D. Wolf | Staff Reporter
September 12, 2022
Government

FHWA Nominee at Senate EPW This Week

Shailen Bhatt, a veteran transportation manager picked to lead the Federal Highway Administration, will field questions from members of the Environment and Public Works Committee on Sept. 14. Here's your Capitol Agenda look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
September 12, 2022
Government, Business

Decline in Demand to Affect Trucking Freight, Economists Say

The upcoming retail holiday season is likely to see slower sales below the surging pace of 2021 as the U.S. economy’s pace of growth slows to a much lower level, which will have an impact on the amount of freight shipped by trucking.

Dan Ronan | Senior Reporter
September 12, 2022
Government, Business, Technology, Fuel, Autonomous, TCA

Pennsylvania Turnpike Explores Electrified Road Services for EVs

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is jumping into solar energy production to power its maintenance and office buildings with a long-term goal: using solar-generated power to electrify portions of the toll road so electric vehicles can charge as they travel.

Ed Blazina | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
September 12, 2022