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.
Daphne Jefferson Retires from No. 2 Post at FMCSA
Daphne Jefferson, deputy administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is retiring effective Nov. 3 from her post as the No. 2 leader at the agency, an FMCSA spokesman said.
SoCal Ports Approve Aggressive Air Quality Rules for Moving Cargo
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach announced they have approved the 2017 Clean Air Action Plan Update that sets out aggressive clean air strategies for moving cargo through the nation’s busiest container port complex — which is on pace for the busiest year ever.
Trump Administration Moves to Expand Apprenticeship Programs
The Department of Labor is taking steps that would meet the objectives of a presidential executive order and encourage motor carriers and other trucking organizations to create apprenticeships for new employees to receive federal funding while they train to become drivers or maintenance technicians.
Key Democrats Press for Infrastructure Funding Amid Tax Reform Debate
Several Democrats, including Rep. John Delaney of Maryland, are critical of a tax reform package proposed by House Republicans that does not offer an approach to fund big-ticket infrastructure projects..
CSX Pulls Support for Baltimore Tunnel Renovation
Federal and state lawmakers from Maryland expressed frustration at a decision from CSX Corp. to withdraw its support to fund the renovation of the Howard Street Tunnel near the Port of Baltimore, dealing another blow to the long-awaited project that would allow double-stack trains.
Package Wars: Postal Service Offers Next-Day Sunday Delivery
As consumers demand ever-quicker and convenient package delivery, the U.S. Postal Service wants to boost its business this holiday season by offering what few e-commerce retailers can provide: cheap next-day service with packages delivered Sundays to your home.
November 2, 2017Driver Growth, Infrastructure Leading Concerns for Virginia, New Jersey Ahead of Elections
Freight transportation, infrastructure issues and jobs will be key considerations for many voters electing new governors on Nov. 7 in New Jersey and Virginia — the only states with gubernatorial contests this year.
TRIP Report Underscores Maine’s Crumbling Infrastructure
Maine’s aging transportation network is in serious need of repair, according to TRIP’s Nov. 1 report titled “Preserving Maine’s Bridges.”
November 1, 2017Truck Stop Gambling Heading to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Oct. 30 signed into law a major gambling expansion bill that allows qualifying truck stops to house up to five video gambling terminals.
NATSO Calls on Congressional Leaders to Extend Biodiesel Blenders’ Tax
The leaders of the tax-writing committees should extend and phase out a biodiesel blenders’ tax credit as they consider legislation that would update the country’s tax code, the association representing truck stops and travel plazas said.