Weekly NTI Update

Stakeholders are processing their responses to federal actions this week to avert a potential economy-crippling rail strike.

It wasn’t a large gain, but truck transportation jobs in November continued an almost unbroke upward trend of gains since the worst of the pandemic.

Four out of 12 unions voted no on the White House-brokered tentative agreement. Now, they will have to accept the contract.

The Senate voted 80-15 to intervene on a potential rail strike. The bill does not mandate seven days of paid sick leave. 

The Senate will likely vote Thursday to end any possibility of a legal rail strike. But a “wildcat” strike could still happen.

Lack of sick pay is a sticking point among railroaders on both sides of the debate over the tentative deal, but Congress could change that.

A rail strike could lift spot truckload prices and support a market that’s been soft, sources said. But should a strike continue, expect congestion and higher costs.

What’s it like to ride a historic locomotive? Go behind-the-scenes during FreightWaves’ ride on the No. 4014.

The House of Representatives voted 290-137 to intervene on a potential rail strike. It also voted to guarantee seven days of paid sick leave.

Congress is poised to pass a bill that will thwart a rail strike. But some lawmakers are breaking rank to call for an amendment that rail workers agree with.