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.
USDA to Raise Inspection Fees 187% on Imports From Canada, Mexico
The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week issued a final rule designed to recoup costs associated with animal and plant inspections by raising fees for all truck-borne imports by 187%.
Truckload Carriers Report Higher 3Q Profits; Cautious About Future Industry Conditions
Third-quarter earnings rose at several truckload carriers amid growing caution about future industry conditions.
Used Truck Prices Slump at Auctions, Analysts Say
A major auction of fleet-owned, model year 2012-2013 sleeper trucks in mid-September pulled in lower-than-expected prices and may have signaled the start of a market erosion, according to Chris Visser, an analyst with American Truck Dealers.
Cummins to Cut Workforce as Truck Engine Sales Fall
Engine maker Cummins Inc. said last week it would reduce its workforce by 2,000 employees, or about 4% of its global payroll, and close or restructure some manufacturing facilities as a result of lower demand for its products, including truck engines.
Texans Slated to Vote on Proposition 7, Which Provides $2.5 Billion for Roads
A year after overwhelmingly voting for Proposition 1, which devotes about $1.2 billion to the state’s highway fund, Texans will consider another transportation initiative, Proposition 7, when they go the polls on Nov. 3.
House Preps Highway Bill After 35th Funding Patch
A multiyear highway bill that would jump-start the process for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to reform its program that scores motor carriers on safety performance is likely to reach the House floor as early as this week.
Foxx 'Cautiously Optimistic' About Passage of Long-Term Highway Bill
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is “cautiously optimistic” that Congress will pass long-term transportation legislation in the near future.
ATA Chairman Hopeful Speaker Paul Ryan ‘Will Lead’ Passage of Highway Bill
American Trucking Associations Chairman Pat Thomas has a message for new Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
Nafta Truck Freight Value Declines for Second Month
The value of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico carried by truck declined for the second consecutive month, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported Oct. 29.
October 29, 2015Rural Areas Receive Record Percentage of DOT TIGER Grants
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced Oct. 29 that the department will issue $500 million in infrastructure grants covering 39 projects in 34 states.