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.
Fuel Efficiency Driving Greater Use of Smaller Engines
With more regulations on greenhouse-gas emissions and fuel economy coming soon, smaller engines are one of the latest equipment trends, according to one of the cover stories in this issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update.
Fatal Crashes, Fatalities Involving Large Trucks Declined From 2013 to 2014, FMCSA Says
The number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes decreased in 2014 by 5%, to 3,744 from 3,921 in 2013, according to a report released April 15 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Leaf Spring Vs. Air Ride: Opinions Differ on Suspensions
Maryland-based Ramar Moving Systems hauls specialty items such as art, satellites and, once, a moon buggy.
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Says Transportation Fund Plan Up to State Legislature
Governor Chris Christie, responding to Democratic calls for him to replenish the multibillion-dollar fund for New Jersey highway and rail projects, said it was lawmakers’ responsibility to introduce a plan.
Alabama Legislature Passes Transportation Funding Formula
By near unanimous votes on April 13, Alabama’s Legislature passed a new transportation funding formula.
FMCSA Orders Some Hazmat Tank Operators Inspected in Alabama to Be Re-Inspected
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on April 15 issued a safety advisory notifying the owners and operators of cargo tanks inspected by two testers in Alabama that they must be re-inspected.
New North American Trucking Supershow Slated for Atlanta in September 2017
Companies from Canada and Germany said they will launch a new event focused on the commercial fleet and heavy-duty truck market in Atlanta in late September of 2017.
Sen. Barbara Boxer Still Railing Against Trucking Provisions on Meal and Rest Breaks
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) is maintaining her opposition to a key trucking provision.
April 14, 2016ATRI Starts Sleep Apnea Online Survey
As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues to accept comments before issuing a rule on sleep apnea in June, the American Transportation Research Institute started a one-month online survey on April 14 that seeks input from commercial truck drivers on a number of issues related to sleep apnea.
Bipartisan Policy Center Kicks Off Slew of Infrastructure Week Events May 16
A battery of in-depth and meaningful events looking at the shabby state of the country’s infrastructure kicks off May 16 with a forum hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
April 14, 2016