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.
Trump's Trade Concerns? WTO Head Says Organization Can Handle It
The World Trade Organization has the tools to handle many of the trade concerns raised by President Trump, Director-General Roberto Azevedo said, seeking to calm worries that the new U.S. administration could usher in a new era of protectionism.
In US, 3.2 Trillion Miles Driven in 2016
Trucks, cars and buses accounted for 3.2 trillion miles driven in the country last year, according to an estimate released by the Federal Highway Administration on Feb. 21.
February 22, 2017FHWA Releases $1 Million in Emergency Aid to Repair Nevada’s Storm-Damaged Infrastructure
The Federal Highway Administration on Feb. 21 announced it was making available $1 million in emergency relief funds for repairs to flood-damaged roads and bridges in Nevada.
February 22, 2017Trump’s P3 Support Concerns Anti-Toll Group
An infrastructure funding measure reliant on private capital coming from the Trump White House is worrisome to the country’s top anti-tolling group. Watch video with Stephanie Kane of the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates.
Southwestern States Considering Local Option Bills to Raise Money for Infrastructure
Frustrated over growing transportation needs that aren’t being filled with state dollars, legislators in Arizona and New Mexico are sponsoring bills that would allow cities and counties to vote to tax themselves to pay for infrastructure improvements.
Truck, Bus Groups Ask Secretary Chao to Delay Safety Fitness Determination Rule
Several dozen truck and bus trade organizations have sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao asking her to rescind and put on delay a proposed carrier safety fitness determination rule based on the federal Compliance, Safety, Accountability program’s scoring system.
February 21, 2017Mexico and Canada Say Nafta Should Be Renegotiated Trilaterally
The foreign ministers of Mexico and Canada presented a unified front ahead of potential trade talks with President Trump’s administration, stressing that the North American Free Trade Agreement has benefited all three countries.
West Virginia Gov. Wants to Address Transportation, but Proposed Tax Increases Greeted With Skepticism
Times are grim in West Virginia. So grim that new Gov. Jim Justice, who pledged not to raise taxes as a candidate last year, called in his Feb. 8 State of the State address for new taxes worth about $450 million.
Embattled Ex-New Jersey DOT Chief Jamie Fox Dies
Jamie Fox, who had been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery while New Jersey’s transportation commissioner in 2014, died Feb. 20, local media outlets reported.
Opinion: Does the $75,000 Broker Bond Make Sense?
Brokers, freight forwarders and nonvessel operating common carriers, or NVOCC, are required by federal law to carry a surety bond in the event they fail to pay the carrier that performs the move on the shipments they broker. On Dec. 1, 2013, the $75,000 broker bond went into effect — up from the previous bond requirement of $10,000.
February 20, 2017