Commerce Express Weekly Road Map:
April 4th, 2023
Keeping you informed on the latest news/insights in our industry.
Commerce Express Blog
The egg market has laid an egg so far in 2023. However, a steady recovery in the last few weeks has things looking sunny side up—great news for American consumers.
For those who don’t buy their own groceries and still mooch off mom, here’s a quick recap on America’s egg fiasco.
Trucking Update
The Deadline for Zero-Emission Trucks in California is Expected Sooner Than Later
This new proposal includes the target date for required zero-emission vehicles, to be moved up to 2036, instead of 2040.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has opened the door for comments on the proposed ACF rule to phaseout diesel-powered trucks in the state. Comments can be submitted until April 7th.
The ACF (Advanced Clean Fleet) rule is still heading towards implementation by the end of the year.
Additionally, on April 3rd, it was reported that the U.S. EPA has approved two Clean Air Act waivers.
These waivers will require truck manufacturers to accelerate their sales of zero-emission vehicles, per FleetOwner.
Furthermore, this gives California the authority to rule that half of all new heavy-duty vehicles sold must be electric by 2035. Other states are following suit: New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington.
U.S. Lawmakers Introduce a Potential Bill To Help Expand Parking for Truckers
Truck parking has been a continued issue for a long time, recently U.S lawmakers have introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, to help combat that issue.
This potential bill would allocate $755 million over the next four years in a competitive grant program.
This funding would go towards improving and increasing safe parking for truckers, whether through new facilities, or converting weigh stations and rest areas into parking for truckers.
New Law in Iowa Expands CDL Testing
For people who want trucking careers, a new law in Iowa has made it easier for those to do so.
Governor Reynolds signed House File 257 into law on March 22nd.
This will broaden the state law on authorized parties that can be third-party testers in administering the knowledge and driving skills test for a CDL or a CDL permit.
Did You Know: Illinois Awards $200 Million in Freight Grants
This $200 million in grants will go to twenty-two port, rail and highway projects that will help to address mobility, bottlenecks, and improve the overall supply chain in the state of Illinois.
These grants are provided in the new program, Illinois Competitive Freight, that is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Rail Update
BNSF Derailment in Minnesota Last Week Prompted Evacuations
Early in the morning last week on March 30th, a train that was hauling corn syrup and ethanol derailed in Raymond, Minnesota – which had some nearby residents having to evacuate their homes until March 30th at 11am CST.
In a statement from BNSF, 22 cars derailed with four catching fire, but no injuries were reported.
BNSF also stated that drinking water was not impacted, and air monitoring that was completed showed not detectable levels of concern.
As of now, there is no update from BNSF on when the reopening of the line will be. The cause of this derailment is currently under investigation.
New Transloading Facility Expected to Help CN Railway Boost Transloading
A new transloading facility is being developed in Calgary by two private companies, it’s expected to be open near the end of 2024.
This new facility, is an effort to transfer more international cargo into domestic containers for the inland flow of goods through Canada and the U.S.
Officials at CN say the facility will serve both importers to central Canada and the U.S. Midwest, in addition to Canadian exporters that have direct rail service located inside CN’s Calgary Logistics Park.
Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending March 25th, 2023
-
- Total U.S. carloads were 236,526 – down 0.2 percent compared with the same week last year.
- U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 233,432 containers and trailers – down 13.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
- Petroleum and petroleum products, metallic ores and metals, and farm products (excluding grain and food) all posted increases compared to the same time last year.
- Grain, coal, and chemicals all posted decreases.
- Total U.S. cumulative volume (carloads and intermodal units) for the first 12 weeks of the year was, 5,549,625.
Recent Comments