Not in:

Any change to current gasoline and diesel taxes, which have not increased since 1993 despite considerable inflation since then and much improved car and truck mileage: That in turn means the Highway Trust fund will continue to come up short versus authorized spend and will require transfer's from the country's general fund. The American Trucking Associations, the Business Roundtable and many other groups have called for significant increases in fuel taxes.

Language that would allow heavier or longer (twin 33-foot trailers) on federal highways, changes long sought by shipper groups and some carriers: These two issues have now become much like Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown, seemingly within reach of passage many times only to fall by the wayside in the final legislation.

Changes that would allow pilot programs for under age 21 drivers to drive across state boundaries: This is another change that looked likely to be in a few months ago, but also was pulled in the final bill, except for language that will allow such pilots for US military veterans - but how many vets come out of service before they turn 21? ) Reservists are also included in the allowed tests. Many states already allow under age 21 drivers within their own orders. The ATA commented that "It is puzzling why Congress would dispense with language from both chambers that was very similar in many respects in favor of a provision [in the final bill] that was so starkly different."

Language that would clarify the federal/FMCSA pre-eminent role in setting standards around Hours of Service and relate rules for driver operations, changes sought by carrier groups in the face of looming regulations at the state level: The ATA commented that "This bill opens the door for a hodgepodge of state regulations that will harm the safety and efficiency of the trucking industry. We hope Congress will quickly revisit this issue."

Language that would have expanded the number of states eligible to impose new tolls under the Interstate System Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Pilot Program: This potential change was much opposed by the trucking industry, though another part of the bill does extend another tolling program.

Any sort of overarching governmental strategy for encouraging the private sector to develop driverless cars, nor any acknowledgement that driverless technology may shape the infrastructure of the future.

Undoubtedly we'll learn more, as again we have to "pass the bill to find out what's in it."

All that said, this is mostly a status quo bill with a modest increase in funding that barely keeps up with inflation if even that, and makes no changes in key areas such as fuel taxes, heavier/longer trucks, younger drivers and other issues key to the transport sector, while largely skirting any bold changes to the future of US freight transportation.

At least we will be done - it appears - with the on-going drama about whether the latest continuing resolution will be passed before the Highway fund goes broker for a few years.

Any reaction to the details of this new Highway bill? Is it meaningful in any way? Does any of it matter to shippers? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback button below (email) or in the Feedback section. Anonymity will be provided upon request.