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.
Texas State Funds to Target Three Houston Freeway Trouble Spots
With Houston choking on traffic congestion, an infusion of $447 million in state funds promises relief sooner than expected at three notorious freeway bottlenecks.
Federal Driver Coercion Rule Takes Effect Today
A final rule that prohibits fleets, shippers and brokers from coercing truck drivers to violate hours-of-service and other safety regulations officially takes effect today.
January 28, 2016ATA Supports Rhode Island Trucking in Tolling Dispute With Governor
American Trucking Associations is supporting the Rhode Island Trucking Association’s strong opposition to Gov. Gina Raimondo’s toll-based transportation plan.
Idaho Transportation Committees Take Aim at Large Highway Truckloads, Real ID Rules
Taking action related to Real ID and allowing 129,000-pound loads on Idaho's interstate highways are two of the top issues for the House and Senate transportation committees this session.
MoDOT Director Says 'Tidal Wave' of Repairs on Horizon, Urges Lawmakers to Act
The new director of the Missouri Department of Transportation on Jan. 26 continued his call to boost state transportation spending.
Federal Data: 2015 on Pace to Be Most Heavily Traveled Year
Americans drove about 2.88 trillion miles by the end of November 2015, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. The figure signals the strong possibility that last year likely will be the most traveled year in the country’s history.
January 27, 2016Drivers Form Human Chain to Rescue Trucker Dangling Over Embankment
When a tractor-trailer traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike 20 miles east of Bedford lost control and went partially over an embankment Jan. 22 during the historic winter blizzard, drivers stopped to help by forming a human chain and pulling the trucker to safety.
January 27, 2016New Mexico Proposes Plan to Recover Millions From Tax-Dodging Truckers
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is asking lawmakers to change how weigh stations are managed in an effort to capture as much as $56 million a year that analysts estimate the state is losing to truckers who don’t pay fees to haul their loads across New Mexico roads.
Georgia Port Cargo Slumps 6.3% in December
The Georgia Ports Authority reported that containerized cargo slumped 6.3% in December, marking the first year-over-year decline since July 2013.
January 26, 2016Canadian Freight Index Falls 36% Year-Over-Year in December
Load board operator TransCore Link Logistics said its freight index for Canadian and cross-border loads declined 36% in December compared with a year earlier. However, a dip in equipment volumes led to tightening of the truck-to-load ratio.
January 26, 2016