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.
Provision Pre-Empting State Laws on Truckers' Meal Breaks Revived in House
An aviation reform bill that would pre-empt certain state laws regarding meal and rest breaks for truckers will be taken up by a House committee next week.
House GOP Task Force Will Explore Reducing Regulatory Burdens
Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republican leaders in the House announced the formation of six task forces on Feb. 4.
Sleep Apnea Proposal Clears OMB
A plan by federal regulators to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding sleep apnea cleared a review by the White House Office of Management and Budget on Feb. 3.
Driver Training Crucial for ELD Transition, FMCSA Official Says
DALLAS — Driver training on electronic logging devices will play an important role in the trucking industry’s transition to the federally mandated technology, an official with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration told an audience of carriers and technology providers.
Trucking Company Owner Fights DEA Over Slain Informant, Bullet-Riddled Vehicle
The owner of a small Texas trucking company continues to fight with the U.S. government over the death of an informant who was slain in Houston while working as the man's 18-wheeler driver and secretly assisting the Drug Enforcement Administration.
DOT Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Department of Transportation celebrated its 50th anniversary at a ceremony in Washington on Feb. 3 attended by Secretary Anthony Foxx and six of his predecessors.
New Safety Fitness Rule Could Affect State Laws, FMCSA Tells Governors Group
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has notified the National Governors Association that the agency’s proposed new methodology it plans to use to determine the safety fitness of motor carriers may affect some existing state laws, regulations or regulatory activity.
Sen. John Thune: FMCSA Nominee Scott Darling’s ‘Depth of Experience’ Concerns Some Senators
WASHINGTON — Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) said senators on the panel have raised concerns about Scott Darling, President Obama’s choice to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
New York Supreme Court Rules Tax and Decal Fee Unconstitutional
New York’s Supreme Court ruled Feb. 1 that the state’s highway-use tax and decal required of out-of-state truckers are unenforceable, awarding a victory to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in its class-action lawsuit.
Omnitracs Introduces Next-Gen Telematics Platform
DALLAS — Omnitracs has unveiled its next-generation telematics platform, which introduces voice recognition software to the company’s technology offerings while expanding wireless connectivity within the truck.