Canada’s freight rail network could come to a grinding halt this week, inflicting a huge economic toll after the country’s two largest railroad operators on Sunday issued lockout notices to the Teamsters union that represents nearly 10,000 workers. Failing last-minute deals, both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City plan to lock out workers from the early hours of Thursday. It marks the first time that the country has faced a simultaneous labor stoppage at the railroad firms as they normally negotiate their labor agreements in alternate years. The stoppages could cripple the shipment of food grains, beans, potash, coal and timber which form a large part of Canada’s exports, while also impacting shipments ranging from petroleum products to chemicals and cars.

Congress recently adjourned for its annual August recess following a productive July session that was punctuated by a number of significant wins for our industry. These victories would not have been possible without ATA’s repeated engagements with Capitol Hill. ATA experts are in regular contact with congressional leaders and staff to educate them on the trucking industry and effective policies that can best support fleets and drivers. *Improvements to young driver apprenticeship program advanced. *Base access provision included in NDAA. *House moved bill to overturn California’s destructive mandates. *Resolution opposing NYC congestion pricing breaks partisan gridlock. *ATA presses provision to protect independent contractor model. *ATA renews push to repeal FET.

Brent oil prices firmed on Thursday, hovering near 3-1/2-month highs as U.S. refiners restarting after Tropical Storm Harvey increased their crude processing and the U.S. dollar declined. Brent crude futures LCOc1 were up 28 cents at $54.48 a barrel by 1143 GMT, close to their highest since May 25. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 eased by 11 cents to $49.05 a barrel, near a four-week high.