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.
Recruiting Drivers for Restart Study Proving Difficult, DOT Official Says
Federal regulators are having a hard time recruiting drivers to participate in a congressionally mandated study for the restart portion of the hours-of-service rule, a top U.S. Department of Transportation official told a Senate subcommittee.
March 30, 2015Diesel Falls 5.3¢ to $2.864 in Second Weekly Price Drop
Diesel’s national average price dropped 5.3 cents to $2.864 a gallon, the second consecutive weekly decline after five straight increases, the Department of Energy reported March 23.
March 30, 2015FMCSA Official Defends New CSA App
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration senior official at the Mid-America Trucking Show defended a new smartphone application designed to facilitate access to certain performance data, a feature strongly opposed by the industry.
FMCSA Recruits Drivers for HOS Study at MATS
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration encouraged commercial drivers at the Mid-America Trucking Show to sign up for an hours-of-service study that aims to determine fatigue factors among truck operators.
Scott Darling Makes Unscheduled Appearance But Keeps Low Profile
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sporting a Boston Red Sox cap and a beige trench coat when he arrived, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration head Scott Darling kept a low profile while visiting the Mid-America Trucking Show on March 27.
House Bill Would Give LNG Tax Parity With Diesel
Four members of the U.S. House have introduced a bipartisan bill that would provide tax equity for carriers that use liquefied natural gas rather than diesel in their trucks.
Safety Agencies Seek to Increase Budgets to Hire Inspectors for Oil Transport
The three agencies that oversee truck, railroad and pipeline safety are asking to hire more inspectors to address concerns generated by the nation’s energy boom.
Economy Grows 2.2% as Consumers Keep Spending
The U.S. economy expanded at 2.2% annualized pace in the fourth quarter, led by the biggest gain in consumer spending in eight years.
March 27, 2015Consumer Sentiment Cools, Capping Best Quarter Since 2004
Consumer confidence fell less than forecast in March, capping the best quarter since 2004 as the labor market stayed strong and gasoline prices leveled off.
FMCSA Updates Drivers on Diabetes Standard Proposal
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reminded drivers at the Mid-America Trucking Show of its plan to amend its medical qualification standards to allow drivers with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, without seeking an exemption.
March 26, 2015