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Released: September 17, 2009
NASSTRAC Wants Transportation Bill Soon ABCDE
Congress must extend a crucial program due to expire in two weeks to fund highway and other transport projects around the U.S., but many NASSTRAC members believe Congress should approve replacement legislation for the shortest time possible. The Obama administration wants to extend the various spending policies that are broadly lumped in with the highway reauthorization bill for 18 months, as the government gets past other major policy issues and develops its own pan to reshape the transport system. But many believe that 18 months is too long, including Janet Kavinoky of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who has spoken at past NASSTRAC events. She has been part of a coalition pitching for Congress to focus on the soon-to-expire spending program and develop a good replacement plan—a strategy that NASSTRAC supports.
Diesel Drops 1.3 Cents in Second Consecutive Decline
The average price of diesel dropped slightly for a second consecutive week, declining 1.3 cents to $2.634 a gallon, the U.S. Department of Energy reported to NASSTRAC this week. The decline followed a drop of 2.7 cents last week, which itself came after six straight weeks of increases in which the price gained 17.8 cents. The downturn left trucking’s main fuel $1.389 below the same week last year. > View NASSTRAC’s graphic regional reporting
Retail Sales Rise In August
Retail sales rose for the first time in six months with back-to-school purchases in August. This is important news to retail companies that are members of NASSTRAC, as well as their providers that now have more freight to move. Seasonally adjusted retail sales in August were $351.4 billion, an increase of 2.7% from the previous month, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, sales were 5.3 percent below August 2008. Total sales for the June through August 2009 period were down 7.6 percent from the same period a year ago. The Census Bureau revised the June to July 2009 percent change from -0.1 percent to -0.2 percent. Retail trade sales, which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants, were up 3 percent from July 2009, but 6 percent below last year, according to the Census Bureau. The National Retail Federation calculated trade sales rising 0.7 percent from July and dipping 4.3 percent year-over-year. NASSTRAC currently is working to grow its retail membership through a special Retail Task Force. If you’re interested in participating, e-mail Brian Everett.
NASSTRAC Executive Committee To Meet In Chicago
Transportation and supply chain leaders on the NASSTRAC Executive Committee will meet Sept. 23-24 at the TranzAct Technologies in Elmhurst, Ill. The goal for the meeting will be to develop the strategic goals for NASSTRAC in 2010, all of which will focus on the organization’s goals in advocacy, education, and provider relations.
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