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.
Virginia Port Union Official Resigns After Audit Finds Unauthorized Fund
The business agent for one of six dockworker union offices in the Port of Virginia has resigned and will be removed from other union posts he holds after an internal audit found an “unauthorized and previously undisclosed account,” the port’s top labor official confirmed April 19.
Sen. Susan Collins Says HOS to Be Tweaked in Fiscal 2017 Transportation Funding Bill, According to Reports
Hours-of-service regulation would be tweaked under a fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill a Senate subcommittee advanced April 19, according to Sen. Susan Collins as quoted in Politico.
Senate Transportation Funding Bill Pushes DOT on Speed Limiters Rule
WASHINGTON — A fiscal 2017 Senate transportation funding bill would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to quickly issue a long-awaited proposed rule on speed limiters for motor carriers.
Federal Regulators Seeking Comment on Proposed 'Beyond Compliance' Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking comment on a proposed program to recognize and reward motor carriers who exceed regulatory safety requirements.
Early Warning Signs of Recession Flash Faintly in US Jobs Data
As the economy again started off the year on a sour note, the glass-half-full crowd pointed to the strength of the U.S. jobs market as a reason not to worry. As long as payrolls are racking up monthly gains of 200,000 or more, the economy remains in fine fettle, or so the optimists would have it.
Pennsylvania Set to Raise Speed Limit to 70 MPH on Bulk of Turnpike
In the wake of a trio of 20-month-old pilot programs during which the speed limit has been raised from 65 to 70 miles per hour on more than 200 miles of major highways in the state, Pennsylvania will unveil a permanent rise to 70 mph on 496 miles of its 552-mile turnpike (90%) in May.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of April 19: Addition by Appropriations?
Trucking leaders have been pressing Congress to adopt a meal-and-rest-break proposal, as well as corrective language to an hours-of-service provision in a fiscal 2016 funding law. This week, Senate funding leaders might be listening. Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.
Senate Funding Panel Takes Up Fiscal Year 2017 Transportation Bill April 19
The Senate transportation appropriations subcommittee on April 19 will consider a fiscal 2017 spending measure that is likely not to reflect the Obama administration’s funding priorities.
Cass Freight Index Dips 1.5% in March from 2015 Level
Cass Information Systems’ freight index, based primarily on trucking, dipped 1.5% in March on a year-over-year basis, but gained 1.4% from February of this year.
April 18, 2016US Needs to Be Energy Independent
I read Transport Topics regarding Exxon Mobil’s recent shipment of its first tanker load of U.S. crude oil from Beaumont, Texas, to its refinery in Sicily, Italy. The article also indicated that a 40-year export ban had been lifted.
April 18, 2016