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.
Missouri Senate Approves Fuel-Tax Hike, Sends Bill to House
Missouri’s Senate approved a fuel-tax increase of 5.9 cents per gallon April 6. The 21-10 vote sends the bill, sponsored by Transportation Committee Chairman Doug Libla, to the House, where its chances of passage are much less assured.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Signs GHG Bill
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill April 5 that aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 40% by 2030 compared with the state’s GHG output in 2006.
DOT, Caltrans Aim to Bring Back Critical Trucking Survey
For transportation planners, the Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey was the go-to source for trucking data every five years from 1967 to 2002 as a requirement of the Bureau of the Census. VIUS’ cancellation before the expected 2007 compilation was a major blow.
Arkansas Joins Virtual Weigh Station Revolution
Arkansas is becoming the latest state to join the virtual weigh station revolution. The state’s Highway and Transportation Department announced April 5 that it has a contract with a local firm to install a weigh-in-motion scale under Route 64 near Alma.
New Chief Counsel Appointed at PHMSA
Teresa Gonsalves was appointed chief counsel at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced April 4.
April 5, 2016Companies Reimagine Delivery Vehicles
Several companies are testing a wide range of innovative delivery ideas to gain an edge in growing logistics and transportation space.
US Services Grow at Faster Pace for First Time in Five Months
Growth in America’s service industries accelerated in March for the first time in five months, indicating the economy was improving after a sluggish start to the year.
FDA Previews Final Food Safety Transportation Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 5 previewed its final rule that creates new requirements for the sanitary transportation of human and animal food by truck and rail to ensure that transportation practices do not create safety risks.
Planning Group Puts $43 Billion Price Tag on Illinois Transportation Fix
Cash-strapped Illinois needs $43 billion over 10 years to repair and improve its transportation network and boost the state economy, according to a report released on Monday by the Metropolitan Planning Council.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of April 5: A Different Darling
Who are you and what have you done with Scott Darling? The nominee to head FMCSA that we bumped into at the Mid-America Trucking Show last week was far different from the reserved acting administrator we encountered a year ago at the same event. Except for the hat. Here's the week ahead for trucking on Capitol Hill.