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Mack Trucks' lineup of heavy-duty vehicles is about to get a little lighter.

WASHINGTON — Advancements in self-driving vehicles merit a uniform set of guidelines that would ensure the safety of motorists and the smooth connectivity of freight corridors, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), an auto industry proponent, said Jan. 25 ahead of the Washington Auto Show.

America needs new airports, pipelines, sewer systems, bridges and roads, no doubt. But if the funding solution for those projects involves raising tolls or establishing new ones, Americans aren't ready to cross that bridge. So then what? Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.

Ten applicants in nine states have been designated as proving grounds for automated vehicle testing, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Jan. 19.

On his final full day as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Scott Darling said his biggest regret of his 2½ years in charge was not being able to fully implement the Unified Registration System.

For several top North American container ports 2016 was a record-setting year, and industry analysts are cautiously optimistic that 2017 will be even better despite the uncertainty in Washington that comes with a new presidential administration.

What will a new president and new Congress mean for metropolitan Washington, D.C.'s efforts to upgrade its infrastructure? Mike Sakata of the Metropolitan Washington Road & Transportation Builders Association offers insight in this week's Capitol Agenda, which also looks at a revived effort to allow twin 33s on federal highways.

Nontraditional bank lending to trucking companies picked up moderately in the second half of 2016 as fleets sought to survive during a sluggish freight market, according to lenders with exposure in transportation financing.