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WASHINGTON — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package Dec. 21 that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The U.S. average retail price of diesel rose 6 cents to $2.619 a gallon and notched the highest price in nine months, the Energy Information Administration reported Dec. 21.

As part of its continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a waiver offering regulatory relief to commercial driver license and commercial learner permit holders.

An agenda focused on climate change initiatives, expanding the workforce and maintaining safety will be among the priorities for Pete Buttigieg, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to become secretary of transportation.

Americans are putting aside health risks and flying in increasing numbers during the Christmas holiday season.

A containership owned by A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S was attacked off the West African coast, prompting the company to warn of a rising risk from piracy in the area.

Logistics companies including DB Schenker and DSV Panalpina A/S have begun chartering planes to keep U.K. factories supplied with components and avoid snarls in road and sea transport caused by Brexit.

A federal advisory panel recommends that the next round of coronavirus vaccines be given to teachers, first responders, correction officers and grocery store employees, along with people 75 and over. Truckers and other transportation workers would fall into a group behind that group.

The House released the text of a massive 5,593-page package of legislation that combines pandemic relief with a bill to fund government operations just hours before lawmakers were set to cast their votes on Dec. 21.

Initial shipments of the second COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the U.S. left a distribution center Dec. 20, a desperately needed boost as the nation works to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control.