As August ends and we get ready for fall to ramp up, we look forward to the busy transportation season that comes with it—let’s recap on the previous month! Companies are investing heavily in private fleets and in-house transportation, with expansions seen in sectors like food service and beverage distribution, while manufacturing has seen reductions. Nippon Steel is investing $2.7 billion in U.S. Steel amid strong opposition and political resistance, with criticisms from labor unions and political figures like former President Trump. At the National Truck Driving Championships, over 400 competitors started their events with a focus on safety and camaraderie, with winners announced on August 24.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is rolling out a plan to boost V2X tech, which helps vehicles and infrastructure talk to each other for better safety. While funding is going to states like Arizona and Utah, issues like limited wireless spectrum and standardization could delay widespread use until 2036. Starting January 1, Minnesota will increase motor fuel taxes by nearly 12% to fund highway projects, expected to raise $1 million by fiscal 2025. Meanwhile, a Canadian rail shutdown is disrupting shipments and driving up costs, which could get worse with potential U.S. dockworker strikes and ongoing labor talks. As August comes to an end, this industry continues to change and addressing challenges as they arise.