Capitol Agenda for the Week of Dec. 4: New Jersey Drive
The dilapidated stretch of Interstate 95, or the Turnpike, along Newark’s metropolitan region in beautiful New Jersey needs to be repaired soon, and raising federal taxes on fuel is the way to go about it, Rep. Donald Payne Jr. said amid Congress’ debate on tax policy. A look at the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
December 4, 2017German Market Bomb Scare Part of DHL Blackmail Attempt
BERLIN — A suspicious package found near a Christmas market in the German city of Potsdam was not terrorism-related, but part of an attempt to blackmail delivery company DHL, an official said Dec. 3.
December 4, 2017Army Tests Autonomous Truck Driving Systems
U.S. Army trucks using an autonomous driving system from Lockheed Martin logged more than 55,000 testing miles during a simulated warfare experiment program held at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Fort Bliss, Texas, according to Lockheed Martin.
December 4, 2017Colorado Could Soon Officially Make Truckers a Part of the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Truckers have long been the eyes and ears of the road, and the industry and Colorado lawmakers want to officially put that perspective to use as the state continues its growing battle against human trafficking.
December 4, 2017Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s Request for ELD Delay Draws Rebuke
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill published a letter Nov. 29 asking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to delay the electronic logging device rule, a move that prompted a quick response from the trucking industry.
December 1, 2017Lawmaker Debuts Bill for Pilot Project to Allow Underage Truck Drivers to Cross State Lines
A New York congresswoman has introduced legislation that would expand a pilot program that allows individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 without military experience to drive in interstate commerce if they possess a commercial driver license, clean driving record and appropriate Department of Transportation training certification.
December 1, 2017House Committee Advances Human Trafficking Prevention Legislation
Legislation designed to exclude from the industry people involved in human trafficking was advanced by a House panel on Nov. 30.
December 1, 2017Stakeholders Respond to DOT Request for Comment on Rules, Regulations
From burdensome and outdated record-keeping to hazardous materials handling to an electronic logging device mandate soon to go into effect, truckers and an array of transportation-related trade associations have handed federal regulators a list for tweaking or eliminating dozens of rules and regulations.
November 30, 2017Congress to Rely on Stopgap Funding Bill, Speaker Ryan Says
Amid recent failed attempts by party leaders to negotiate funding parameters for fiscal 2018, Congress will opt for a short-term measure designed to avoid a government shutdown, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Nov. 30.
November 30, 2017DOT to Require Testing for Synthetic Opioids Beginning Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, truck drivers being administered random pre-employment and post-accident drug tests will be screened for four additional synthetic opioids, the highly addictive drugs that likely will require medical experts to consider prescriptions that balance pain mitigation with safety performance.
November 30, 2017