8 industry reactions: How the infrastructure deal could change supply chains

President Joe Biden's signature paves the way for $100 billion in funding for roads and bridges. Here’s what trade associations are saying.

By Alejandra Carranza • Nov. 24, 2021

California to ease weight limits for trucks hauling from congested San Pedro Bay ports

In California, weights are among the most restrictive in the U.S., which creates what one expert called "a wall of inefficiency."

By Shefali Kapadia • Nov. 18, 2021

Biden signs $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill

Along with repairing roads and bridges, the funding is likely to increase demand for flatbed services, while possibly upping competition for labor.

By S.L. Fuller • Updated Nov. 15, 2021

The transition to 24/7 supply chains, and the pursuit of long-term solutions

Labor and equipment shortages are acute, but many industry stakeholders say the problems that led us here are nothing new.

Updated March 21, 2022

Court stays OSHA vaccine mandate

The rule, which requires vaccines or regular tests, applies to businesses with at least 100 employees; independent contractors do not count toward that total.

By Ryan Golden , Max Garland • Updated Nov. 8, 2021

ATA's Costello: Trucking alone can't solve the 80K driver shortage

TL carriers should focus on recruitment, and shippers must also do their part to lower wait times.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 25, 2021

To go greener, fleets of all sizes need access to federal funding

Smaller trucking firms especially will need financial assistance to adopt greener equipment. That's where the STEER Act can help, the author writes.

By Daniel Burrows • Oct. 25, 2021

California orders agencies to identify 'priority freight routes' for trucking weight exemptions

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a nine-point executive order in pursuit of short- and long-term ideas to ease supply chain congestion.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 21, 2021

XPO Logistics calls terms of $30M driver misclassification settlement 'favorable'

A federal judge approved two preliminary settlements on behalf of 784 of the carrier's current and former first-seat port drivers in California.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 14, 2021

Supreme Court declines to hear Cal Cartage AB5 case, but CTA readies for battle

The head of the CTA said he hopes his group will get another chance to go at-bat for trucking in the nation's highest court.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 5, 2021

Irked by vaccine mandate, large trucking firms speak out

The American Trucking Associations filed a lawsuit against the mandate, citing its "devastating impacts on the supply chain and the economy."

By Jim Stinson • Updated Nov. 10, 2021

Court: Trucking company's strength test discriminated against women for driver positions

The onus is on employers to prove tests are job-related, especially as the trucking industry tries to encourage more women to join the workforce.

By Katie Clarey • Sept. 20, 2021

FMC moves ahead on detention, demurrage guidance

The Federal Maritime Commission is addressing complaint proceedings and retaliation, as well as how ocean carriers should divulge information.

By Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 17, 2021

House committee approves $150B plan for clean electricity, including EV infrastructure

The Clean Electricity Performance Program is part of the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package, which contains $5 billion for heavy-duty electric vehicles.

By Jason Plautz • Updated Sept. 15, 2021

Money and range: Experts note roadblocks to EV adoption

The smaller the truck, the smaller the battery, which is why fleets such as PepsiCo's target medium-duty vehicles for electrification.

By Jim Stinson • Sept. 14, 2021

Feds to require large employers mandate coronavirus vaccine or weekly negative tests

The requirements will impact some 80 million private-sector workers, in addition to many federal employees and contractors, the White House said.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 10, 2021

3 cities receive grants to reach 100% zero-emissions commercial vehicles by 2030

Chicago, San Diego, and San Jose, California, each won $100,000 to fund projects such as an urban freight working group.

By Cailin Crowe • Sept. 8, 2021

Tesla made electric trucks 'cool.' Now fleets face financial hurdles.

Total cost of ownership for electric trucks is more attractive than diesel, a Navistar executive said at ACT Expo. But issues around charging are significant.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 31, 2021

I-45 highway widening in Texas shows challenges with federal funding

As federal and local officials decry the controversial Houston-area project, the infrastructure bill could make it easier for states to fund similar projects.

By Cailin Crowe • Aug. 27, 2021

Can hydrogen regulations benefit transport and utilities?

Nikola intends to approach the California legislature with a proposal in the next session that it believes would help bring down the cost of hydrogen production.

By Emma Penrod • Aug. 20, 2021

Fleets turn to tech for protection against 'nuclear verdicts'

It's not enough to gather safety data. Trucking firms must also act on it.

By Heather Larson • Aug. 18, 2021

Senate passes $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill

The legislation includes $110 billion for improvements to roads and bridges, in addition to expanding electric vehicle capabilities.

By Zachary Phillips , S.L. Fuller • Aug. 10, 2021

Nikola to pay $125M to settle fraud charges

The fraud charges, announced in July, dealt a blow to Nikola's reputation. 

By Jim Stinson • Updated Dec. 21, 2021

FMC starts permanent program to oversee detention, demurrage

The agency said it will audit the nine largest ocean carriers and review their billing practices.

By Matt Leonard • July 21, 2021

Trucking mulls impacts on drivers, equipment with infrastructure bill on the horizon

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework allocates $109 billion for roads, bridges and "major projects." But more construction could take flatbeds out of circulation.

By Amanda Loudin • June 25, 2021