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.
Former Treasury Secretary Says Markets Underestimating Risks of Trump Presidency
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers said investors are being far too sanguine about the risks associated with Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
Paul Ryan Re-Elected Speaker of the House
Paul Ryan was formally re-elected House speaker Jan. 3 as he intensifies his efforts to move past his differences with Donald Trump after a divisive campaign.
Feds Allege Wisconsin Chain Wrongly Classifies Drivers as Contractors
Wisconsin-based home improvement chain Menards has been slapped with a federal complaint alleging the company misclassified its delivery drivers as independent contractors and therefore deprived them of workplace protections afforded to employees, a charge the company calls "ridiculous" and vows to fight.
Trucking Industry on Board With Michigan’s Diesel Tax Hike
Truckers filling their tanks with diesel in Michigan are paying 11.3 cents more per gallon in tax than they did last month as part of a 2015 law designed to eventually produce $400 million for the state’s roads and bridges.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of Jan. 2: Tunneling Out of Infrastructure Mess
If federal lawmakers need a reminder of an infrastructure mission statement for the 115th Congress, they should visit the House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing room at Rayburn. Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
Bills Could Speed Up Michigan Highways
About 600 miles of Michigan freeways will see speed limits increase to 75 mph, and 900 miles of state highway will increase to 65 mph if Gov. Rick Snyder signs the collection of legislation that awaits his review.
Martin Klepper Named First Chief of Build America Bureau
With less than three weeks left in the Obama administration, Martin Klepper was named the first executive director of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau on Dec. 30.
Letters: Skepticism Over Hydrogen Claims, Shipper Tactics
The Nikola One isn’t actually a zero-emissions vehicle when you see the entire process.
January 2, 2017EPA Plans to Propose Regulation to Tighten NOx Limit in 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency is beginning work on a proposed rule that would set new standards to further reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty truck engines beginning in 2024, the same year a provision kicks in for the agency’s heavy-duty Phase 2 greenhouse-gas program.
2017 Year in Preview: ‘Expect the Unexpected’ for Trucking, Nation
Uncertainty dominates the outlook for trucking and freight transportation in 2017.