FreightWaves NOW Morning Minute | DOT Drops Funding Appeal but Targets CDLs; 2025 Inflation Hits 2.7%
In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss the Department of Transportation's decision to drop its appeal regarding highway funding for sanctuary states, even as Secretary Sean Duffy shifts tactics to target non-domiciled CDL compliance as detailed in Trump Administration Waves White Flag on Transportation Funding Immigration Fight, But the War is Far From Over. Despite this legal concession, the administration is using compliance audits to withhold funding over English language standards and license requirements, a move that threatens to impact nearly 200,000 immigrant drivers.
We also analyze the latest economic data showing inflation has accelerated with a 2.7% rise for the year, a trend explored in Consumer Price Index reports continued hikes in 2025. Rising costs for shelter, food, and energy are driving this increase, while transportation capacity has simultaneously plummeted to its lowest level since 2021.
Additionally, the federal government is calling on industry experts to help identify the most critical physical and digital impediments to commerce, according to Feds seek input on solving supply chain bottlenecks. This new Request for Information aims to guide federal research and technology investments through 2030 to ensure goods move more smoothly across the nation's infrastructure.
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