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.
BATIC Executive Director: ‘Congress Needs to Fund’ Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON — The executive director of a newly launched office at the U.S. Department of Transportation set up to help states finance infrastructure projects said Congress remains the main driver for advancing those projects.
Orders for Business Equipment in US Unexpectedly Decline
Orders for business equipment unexpectedly declined in September as tepid global markets gave American companies little reason to expand.
October 27, 2015Consumer Confidence Falls in October to Three-Month Low
Consumer confidence fell in October to a three-month low as Americans became less upbeat about the labor market.
October 27, 2015Rep. Boustany: Finalizing Highway Bill ‘Difficult To Do Before Thanksgiving’
WASHINGTON — Presenting President Obama with a multiyear highway reauthorization bill before Thanksgiving — the goal outlined by transportation leaders on Capitol Hill — is too optimistic, a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee said Oct. 27.
House to Consider Short-Term Highway Funding Extension Oct. 27
Funding authority for highway programs would be extended through Nov. 20 under legislation scheduled for floor consideration Oct. 27, according to a schedule released by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
October 26, 2015Sen. Inhofe Optimistic Congress Will Send POTUS a Highway Bill in a ‘Few Weeks’
A multiyear highway reauthorization bill will arrive on President Obama’s desk by next month, the chairman of the Senate transportation policy committee said Oct. 26 on the chamber’s floor.
N.Y. Official: No Timeline for New Tunnel Under Hudson
An aide to N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Oct. 26 that there is no timeline to build a new tunnel under the Hudson River to connect New York and New Jersey.
UPS’ Thomas Brings Advocacy Skills to Position as ATA’s New Chairman
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For Pat Thomas, senior vice president of state government affairs at UPS Inc. and the new chairman of American Trucking Associations, Big Brown’s gargantuan hub here epitomizes freight connectivity.
Delays Growing for CDL Skills Testing; Industry Seeks More Data From States
Delays in scheduling skills tests for commercial driver licenses are growing, with some states reporting waiting times of up to eight weeks, and the problem isn’t likely to go away anytime soon, government and industry officials said.
Truck Tonnage Gains 3.1% in September; Overall Growth Remains Uneven, ATA Says
Truck tonnage rose 3.1% in September from a year earlier, American Trucking Associations reported, signaling further expansion in a freight market where growth patterns have been uneven this year.