The Daily Dash: Questions grow about Nikola’s Badger; federal parking survey nears completion

The problems that Nikola Corp. has had related to a short seller’s report alleging fraud have overshadowed a critical question for the future of the company: What happens to the Badger electric pickup truck? (Photo: Nikola Corp.)

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, the future of Nikola’s Badger electric pickup is up in the air, and it could have long-term ramifications for the company as a whole. Plus, President Donald Trump signs a one-year funding extension for surface transportation programs, and a major survey on truck parking nears completion.

Is the Nikola Badger about to be roadkill?

The problems that Nikola Corp. (NASDAQ: NKLA) has had related to a short seller’s report alleging fraud have overshadowed a critical question for the future of the company: What happens to the Badger electric pickup truck?

Alan Adler has a look into the future of the Badger: News analysis: Evidence mounts that Nikola Badger is roadkill

Roads will be funded – for now

Congress has passed, and President Donald Trump has signed, a one-year appropriations bill to continue funding the Highway Trust Fund and other surface transportation programs until a long-term bill can be passed.

John Gallagher has details on when a long-term bill could be drafted: Trump signs 1-year highway bill extension

Parking survey nearly complete

Data analysis is complete and the Federal Highway Administration could publish the long-awaited results of its Jason’s Law parking survey later this year.

John Gallagher explains why the survey was delayed, and what to expect: Jason’s Law truck parking update under review at FHWA

One step closer

Autonomous truck startup Einride has secured another $10 million in funding to help it speed delivery of its remote-operated autonomous vehicles.  

Linda Baker has more on when the vehicles may hit U.S. roads: Einride secures $10 million to speed truck deployment

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Did you miss this?

A U.S. Court of Appeals has put on hold compliance with new emissions regulations for trailers. The rules were scheduled to go into effect in January.

John Gallagher has the details: Court halts NHTSA rule compliance for trailer manufacturers

Hammer down, everyone,

Brian Straight

Managing Editor

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Brian Straight.

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Brian Straight

Brian Straight leads FreightWaves' Modern Shipper brand as Managing Editor. A journalism graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he has covered everything from a presidential election, to professional sports and Little League baseball, and for more than 10 years has covered trucking and logistics. Before joining FreightWaves, he was previously responsible for the editorial quality and production of Fleet Owner magazine and fleetowner.com. Brian lives in Connecticut with his wife and two kids and spends his time coaching his son’s baseball team, golfing with his daughter, and pursuing his never-ending quest to become a professional bowler. You can reach him at bstraight@freightwaves.com.