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.
DOT Rejects Rail, Chemical Industry Bids to Change New Tank Car Rule
The Department of Transportation turned down appeals to its final rule covering tank car safety from the railroad and chemical industries, which separately sought changes such as more flexibility in meeting the standards announced in May.
Senate Votes to Delay Twin 33s Approval in Transportation Funding Bill
The Senate on Nov. 18 easily agreed to delay approval of twin 33-foot trailers nationwide, a key provision in a fiscal 2016 transportation funding bill.
Atlanta Tops ATRI List of Worst Truck Choke Points
The nation’s worst truck bottleneck is located in Atlanta, where a five-level stack interchange known as “Spaghetti Junction” joins Interstates 285 and 85 north, according to a new American Transportation Research Institute truck congestion survey.
Rep. Bill Shuster: Final Version of Highway Bill Ready Nov. 30
WASHINGTON — Congressional policymakers plan to have a multiyear highway bill ready on Nov. 30, the chairman of the House transportation panel said Nov. 18.
Manufacturers Highlight Freight, Trucking Productivity While Urging Passage of Highway Bill
The National Association of Manufacturers is urging transportation leaders to quickly advance a multiyear highway reauthorization bill that boosts investments in freight transportation, and trucking productivity.
November 17, 2015New Jersey Scraping the Bottom of Roadwork Fund as Tax Fight Looms
New Jersey’s sale of $627 million in debt, the last borrowing in a five-year funding plan for transportation projects, is a political turning point.
N.Y., N.J., Feds Agree on Funding for $20 Billion Rail Tunnel
Officials in New York and New Jersey, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Amtrak have agreed on a first step toward building a $20 billion rail tunnel between New York City and New Jersey beneath the Hudson River.
Savannah Cargo Volume Rises 3% in October
Shipments rose 3% last month at Savannah, Georgia, the nation’s fourth-largest container port, as shipment growth continued at the second-busiest port on the Atlantic Coast, the Georgia Ports Authority reported.
November 17, 2015House Passes Highway Trust Fund Extension Through Dec. 4
Funding authority for highway programs would be extended through Dec. 4 under legislation the House easily passed Nov. 16.
November 16, 2015Driver Coercion Final Rule Clears OMB; ELD Rule Expected Nov. 30
A final federal rule that would prohibit carriers, shippers and brokers from coercing truck drivers to violate safety regulations cleared review by the White House Office of Management and Budget last week and is projected to be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 23.