Government

About Government News...

Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.

Government, Business, Logistics

NAFTA Negotiations Proceed With Little to Show

Canada and Mexico are holding firm in their resistance to addressing America’s most contentious proposed changes to NAFTA in the latest talks, with the parties making some slow progress on areas of greater consensus.

Daniel P. Bearth | Staff Writer
November 21, 2017
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

Autonomous Trucks a Plus for Safety, Security, Recruitment, Execs Say

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Autonomous heavy trucks not only show promise to reduce crashes, but they also offer a potential to improve cargo security and driver recruitment, according to executives speaking here at a recent national safety and security conference sponsored by American Trucking Associations.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
November 21, 2017
Government

Meal, Rest Break Provision Debated in Funding Negotiations

Republican leaders say they lack time to finalize fiscal 2018 funding legislation by Dec. 8, which is when funding for the federal government is set to expire, which could limit the chances of advancing a truck-centric meal and rest break provision.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
November 21, 2017
Government

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Calls for No More Toll Roads

Texas will not be setting up more toll roads, despite plans recently unveiled by the state’s Department of Transportation to build toll lanes on Interstate 35 East, Gov. Greg Abbott said.

Eleanor Lamb | Staff Reporter
November 21, 2017
Government, Business, Technology

Penske Launches Driver App for ELD Compliance

Penske Truck Leasing Co. launched a mobile app that will allow rental truck drivers to comply with the federal mandate for electronic logging devices and to access other information that enhances productivity.

Daniel P. Bearth | Staff Writer
November 21, 2017
Government, Business

DOT Extends Comment Period on Its Regulatory Review to Dec. 1

The U.S. Department of Transportation has extended the public comment period to Dec. 1 on its review of a number of existing “economically significant rulemakings” ranging from a final rule on Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse to a final rule establishing minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operators.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
November 21, 2017
Government, Business, Fuel

Diesel Dips 0.3¢ to $2.912 a Gallon as Oil Slips

The U.S. average retail price of diesel dipped 0.3 cent to $2.912 a gallon, marking its first decline in more than a month, the Department of Energy reported Nov. 20.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
November 20, 2017
Government

Senate Expected to Vote on FMCSA Nominee Ray Martinez After Break

The nominee to lead the country’s regulatory agency for commercial trucks and buses is expected to come up for a vote in the Senate before the end of the year, aides familiar with the nomination told Transport Topics on Nov. 20.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
November 20, 2017
Government, Business

Capitol Christmas Tree Hauled by Award-Winning Montana Owner-Operator

The nation soon will celebrate lighting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which has been hauled by veteran driver Larry Spiekermeier for Whitewood Transport.

November 20, 2017
Government, Business

Gautreaux Starts as No. 2 at FMCSA

The country’s regulatory agency for trucks and buses has a new deputy administrator in Cathy Gautreaux.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
November 20, 2017