Government
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 2017Gautreaux Starts as No. 2 at FMCSA
The country’s regulatory agency for trucks and buses has a new deputy administrator in Cathy Gautreaux.