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.

Business, Government, Safety, Technology

Chassis Pool to Aid Cargo Flows Being Developed at N.Y., N.J. Port

A new chassis pool for the Port of New York and New Jersey meant to improve truckers’ equipment utilization and enhance cargo flow remains on track to start in the third quarter, a top regional official said.

March 23, 2015
Business, Fuel, Government

More States Increasing Fuel Taxes to Make Overdue Highway Repairs

A flurry of activity in statehouses to generate additional revenue for highway funding continued last week, as one governor signed legislation to increase fuel taxes and a second said he plans to sign a similar bill.

March 23, 2015
Business, Government, Safety, Autonomous

Driving Skill Outweighs Classroom Time for New Truckers, Training Experts Say

Getting students to demonstrate competence at necessary skills is a better way to train future truck drivers compared with setting standards for hours logged in classrooms, several driver-training professionals said during a Transport Topics Web broadcast.

March 23, 2015
Business, Safety, Government

State Leaders Pan Devolution, Press Congress for Highway Bill

WASHINGTON — A governor, a mayor and a state transportation director made the case before a House panel for federal transportation funding and against any notion that the states alone can maintain the nation’s infrastructure.

March 23, 2015
Business, Government, Autonomous

Bills Offer Hair-Testing Option to Check Drivers for Drug Use

Long-sought legislation by many in the trucking and safety communities to allow carriers to use hair testing in place of urinalysis to detect drug use in drivers was introduced in the U.S. House and Senate last week.

March 23, 2015
Business, Technology, Government, Autonomous

CSA App Sparks Controversy; GAO Official Concerned With Public Availability of Scores

The launch of a smartphone application that provides safety performance information on trucking and bus companies immediately sparked controversy last week.

March 23, 2015
Business, Safety, Equipment, Government, Autonomous

Ocean Carriers Struggle With Pricing Due to Data Gaps, Consultant Says

Ocean carriers continue to struggle with cargo pricing because they lack shipment-specific information for the ocean, trucking and terminal components of their international moves, an industry official said.

March 23, 2015
Government

FMCSA Driver Training Panel Grapples with Data Challenges

WASHINGTON — Data linking training to safe driving performance for new truck drivers is shaping up to be the critical component that could make or break another attempt at a federal rule on training standards for entry-level drivers.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
March 20, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

Senators Introduce Latest STB Reauthorization Bid

Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) have introduced the latest legislative effort to make changes in the powers and structure of the Surface Transportation Board.

March 20, 2015
Government

Barletta Bill Would Stop FMCSA From Posting Safety Scores Pending Study

Rep. Lou Barletta ( R-Pa.) has reintroduced a bill that would keep the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from making public truck and bus operator safety scores until the agency redesigns its measurement system.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 20, 2015