Government

About Government News...

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.

Government, Business, Safety

N.J. Transportation Commissioner Resigns

A little over a year after he became New Jersey’s transportation commissioner for the second time, Jamie Fox is leaving on Oct. 9 to return to the private sector.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
October 6, 2015
Government, Business

NHTSA Extends Comment Period on Straight Truck Rear Guards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reopened the public comment period for a proposed rule that would toughen standards for rear impact guards and reflective material on the rear and sides of straight trucks.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
October 5, 2015
Government, Business

Pacific Rim Nations Led by US Agree to Historic Trade Deal

A dozen Pacific Rim nations agreed to an historic pact that would cut trade barriers on items ranging from cars to rice, setting up a potentially contentious ratification vote before a skeptical U.S. Congress.

October 5, 2015
Government

More Scrutiny for Trucks Unlikely After Volkswagen’s Emissions Scandal

Trucking’s extensive experience with diesel-engine regulations could help mitigate any possible fallout against the industry in the wake of Volkswagen Group’s problems with the federal government concerning the automaker’s use of engine software that appears to have manipulated pollution controls.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
October 5, 2015
Government, Business

Freight Markets Slow Down as 3Q Closes, Fleets Say

Freight markets languished as the third quarter came to a close last week, multiple sources said, while two large truckload carriers lowered their earnings outlooks.

Rip Watson | Special to Transport Topics
October 5, 2015
Business, Government, Safety, Fuel

ATRI Says Total Fleet Costs Rise; Wages, Equipment Up, Fuel Dips

Motor carrier operating costs rose 1.6% to $1.703 per mile last year, as higher costs for new equipment, driver wages and maintenance wiped out savings from lower fuel prices, the American Transportation Research Institute reported.

Rip Watson | Special to Transport Topics
October 5, 2015
Business, Government, Safety

McCarthy Pledges Action

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House Majority Leader and likely successor to outgoing Speaker John Boehner, pledged support for long-term highway funding in an interview last week.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
October 5, 2015
Government, Business, Logistics

N.Y.-N.J. Authority Delays Bayonne Bridge Project Two Years

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced a nearly two-year delay in completing a $1.3 billion bridge raising project that would allow the largest containerships to reach the third-largest U.S. port.

October 2, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

PHMSA Taps 11 Universities for Pipeline Safety Research

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Sept. 30 gave 11 universities almost $2 million to examine pipeline safety.

October 1, 2015
Government, Fuel

Petition Asks for EPA to Test Cars Like Heavy-Duty Trucks

An environmental group is seeking to have every model of car and light trucks sold in the United States undergo on-the-road emissions tests, adding to calls for more aggressive efforts after revelations that Volkswagen AG rigged its vehicles to fool laboratory-based screening.

Jeff Plungis | Bloomberg News
October 1, 2015