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.
Telematics Providers Going Mobile to Expand Capabilities Outside of Cab
The mobile device revolution, started by the release of the first Apple iPhone 10 years ago this summer, has transformed the way fleets communicate with their drivers. For many years, fleet telematics relied solely on proprietary, fixed-mount units in the cab to serve as driver interfaces, but today many telematics vendors offer fleets the ability to communicate with their drivers through mobile devices, ranging from personal smartphones to proprietary tablets that can be easily removed from the cab.
Trucking Groups Worry Rural Roads Overlooked in Infrastructure Debate
Rural roads don’t get much attention in the national debate about infrastructure spending, but many local lanes also are in need of upgrades from handling freight traffic that is being either diverted from or headed to major highways, state association executives said.
DOT Postpones Effective Dates of Several Final Rules, Again
The Department of Transportation continued to keep a number of regulations on ice in May, including an entry-level driver training final rule more than 25 years in the making.
Louisiana Transportation Chief Backs State’s Push for Fuel-Tax Increase
A boost in road funding stemming from a possible increase in fuel taxes would help improve the flow of goods along Louisiana’s busy, multimodal freight corridors, the state’s chief transportation officer said this month on Capitol Hill.
US Economic Growth Not So Bad After Revisions to Spending, Investment
The U.S. economy’s first quarter wasn’t so miserable after all, as consumption contributed more to growth and business investment was even stronger than thought, Commerce Department data showed May 26.
Port of Portland Appoints Curtis Robinhold Executive Director
The Port of Portland Commission unanimously selected Curtis Robinhold to succeed his boss as the port's executive director.
Democrats Push Back on Trump Infrastructure Plan
While Republicans have pledged to continue to draft their version of an infrastructure plan in the Senate, Democrats have emphasized that a plan backed primarily by private capital would not win their support.
Canada Prepared for Talks to Rework NAFTA, Trade Minister Says
Canada is prepared for the start of talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and is confident it will get a successful outcome, according to Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.
Trump Budget Requests $658 Million for FMCSA in Fiscal 2018
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would receive $657.8 million in fiscal 2018 under a budget request the Trump White House delivered to Congress for lawmakers’ consideration.
Democrats Rip Trump's Infrastructure Plan as ‘Sleight of Hand’
President Donald Trump’s $1 trillion plan for improving the nation’s infrastructure isn’t enjoying the immediate bipartisan support he may have hoped for.