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.
EIV Capital Invests $20 Million in Gazelle Transportation
Houston-based investment firm EIV Capital has invested $20 million in Gazelle Transportation, a company based in Bakersfield, California, that provides crude oil transportation, water and waste hauling and portable storage tank rentals primarily within California.
October 20, 2016Appeals Court Blocks TransAm Trucking Satellite Communications Fee
A U.S. Appeals Court has ruled in a class action case that TransAm Trucking Inc.'s leasing unit illegally charged owner-operators a $15 weekly fee to use the carrier’s satellite communications system.
October 19, 2016US Freight Activity Declines on Excess Capacity, Weak Exports, Fed Says
Freight activity and demand for transportation services declined from late August to early October, partly reflecting weak exports, excess capacity and lower shipments of energy-related products, according to a Federal Reserve report.
October 19, 2016OOIDA Urges House Leaders to Oppose Speed Limiter Provision
House funding leaders should reject a provision that would mandate the use of speed limiters on heavy vehicles when they consider funding legislation later this year, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said in a letter Oct. 17.
October 19, 2016Natso Joins R.I. Trucking Association in Fight Against Truck-Only Tolls
The Rhode Island Trucking Association has a new ally, the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, in its ongoing battle against Gov. Gina Raimondo’s trucks-only tolling plan.
FMCSA Awards Nearly $1 Million for Veterans' CMV Driver Education
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Oct. 18 that it has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to seven technical and community colleges to help military veterans become commercial bus and truck drivers.
Former Treasury Secretary Urges US to Spend 1% of GDP Annually on Infrastructure
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers called for a $2.5 trillion infrastructure investment program over 10 years to energize the American economy and help it exit from secular stagnation.
Minnesota DOT Recognizes Importance of Freight in Its Highway Program
Freight is now its own category in Minnesota’s highway investment plan for the first time. Spurred by a requirement of the federal FAST Act, Minnesota’s Department of Transportation has allocated $610 million to freight in the $21 billion, 20-year plan.
Missouri DOT Director Stresses Agency is Challenged for Resources
Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna told the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce his message included clearing up misconceptions about MoDOT’s mission. The agency, he said, exists to serve its residents rather than itself.
ARTBA Unveils Clinton, Trump Transportation Overview
The murky transportation picture in the 2016 presidential contest got a bit clearer, courtesy of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.