Transportation Industry News

• White House Blasts Meatpackers for Grocery ‘Profiteering’
  The Biden administration is taking aim at major meatpackers, charging that “pandemic profiteering” is squeezing consumers and farmers alike, with a few companies that dominate the industry raking in record profits.
• UPS to Hire 100,000, Many in 30 Minutes or Less
  The package delivery company said Sept. 9 that it plans to hire more than 100,000 people for the busy holiday shipping season, many of whom will get job offers within 30 minutes of applying.
• California Natural Gas Prices Hit Highest Since Texas Crisis
  California’s record heat is sending natural gas prices in the region to the highest since February as electricity demand surges at a time when supplies needed by power plants have been tight.
• OEMs Outline Vision for EV Transition Phases, Targets for Next 20 Years
  LONG BEACH, Calif.— Truck maker executives said they are preparing for when broader support for zero-emission vehicles will come and sales will climb. For now, financial incentives, sell-side rules and the promise of corporate sustainability goals are supporting the medium- and heavy-duty truck electrification market.
• Distraction, Fatigue Continue to Challenge Drivers, Study Says
  A new study has concluded that talking and singing in the cab are not distracting for truck drivers, but other common activities such as adjusting the seat belt, reaching for food or drink, and adjusting the instrument panel or mirrors showed significant risk of a crash or near-crash.
• Ford Will Cease Making Cars in India, Take $2 Billion Charge
  Ford Motor Co. will shut its car factories in India and record roughly $2 billion in restructuring charges, scaling back significantly in a country that past management saw becoming one of its three biggest markets.
• Democratic Divisions Jeopardize Scope of Biden Economic Plan
  Democratic congressional leaders vowed to forge ahead this month with President Joe Biden’s economic plan despite deep divisions within the party and growing uncertainty about the overall size and scope of the tax and spending proposal.
• No Hurricane Has Hit US Energy Markets Like Ida Has
  Just over 20% of U.S. Gulf of Mexico oil and natural gas production is back online after Hurricane Ida battered southeast Louisiana, marking an even slower comeback than in the wake of Katrina.
• STB Seeks Input on First- and Last-Mile Rail Service Issues
  The Surface Transportation Board is seeking comments on issues related to first-mile and last-mile rail service, according to a notice published in the Federal Register on Sept. 8.
• Clean Technology Mix for Fleets Is Coming, Upstart Companies Say
  LONG BEACH, Calif. — The uncertain residual value of emerging zero-emission trucks is a concern of prospective buyers. But Craig Knight, CEO of fuel cell technology provider Hyzon Motors Inc., is offering reassurance to his customers.