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.
Truck Drivers in ‘Exceptionally Short Supply,’ Fed Says
Truck drivers are reported to be in “exceptionally short supply” in some regions of the country, especially in the New York, St. Louis and Kansas City areas, the Federal Reserve said in a report.
October 14, 2015House to Take Up Highway Bill Oct. 22
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will mark up a highway bill Oct. 22, the panel announced.
Kenworth to Transport Capitol Christmas Tree
The Capitol Christmas tree will be cut Oct. 27 and then begin its 4,400-mile journey from Seward, Alaska, to Washington, D.C., courtesy of Kenworth Truck Co.
EPA Honors Freight Companies With SmartWay Awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Oct. 13 recognized 11 companies in the freight industry, including Con-way Inc.’s Menlo Logistics, for their environmental efforts.
October 13, 2015Railroads Seek Reprieve to Install PTC Systems
Efforts are being made in Washington to address the Dec. 31 deadline for U.S. freight railroads to comply with a federal mandate to finish installing the crash-avoidance technology known as positive train control.
Biden Calls for Infrastructure Funding, Says Administration Open to Ideas
WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden said the Obama administration is “wide open” to funding mechanisms as long as infrastructure projects are sufficiently upgraded now.
California Pushes EPA to Lower NOx Limit as Part of GHG Rule for Heavy Trucks
California environmental regulators said they plan to begin development of tougher nitrogen oxide standards for heavy trucks, possibly as early as 2017.
FMCSA Announces Grants for Veteran CMV Driver Training
Federal regulators have awarded $2.3 million in grants to 13 technical and community colleges to train veterans and their families for jobs as commercial bus and truck drivers.
Senate Commerce Committee Launches New Website
The Senate Commerce Committee has a new look for the fall.
October 9, 2015Independent Review of DOT Size and Weight Study Backs Original Researchers
An independent scientific review of the Department of Transportation’s truck size-and-weight study largely agreed with original researchers that weaknesses in some of their research models and data hampered meaningful conclusions.