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, Logistics, Technology, Equipment

Harper Says Canadian Railways Under Watch Over Grain Shipments

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated he is prepared to continue intervening in a railway system dominated by two companies in order to keep products such as grain moving for export.

Josh Wingrove | Bloomberg News
March 13, 2015
Business, Government

Consumer Sentiment Declines in March to Four-Month Low

Consumer confidence declined in March to a four-month low as optimism about the U.S. economy was tempered by weaker income expectations and a rebound in gasoline prices.

Michelle Jamrisko | Bloomberg News
March 13, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

Feds Say Americans Drove More Miles Last Year Than in Each of Previous Seven

Americans drove nearly 3.02 trillion miles last year, the highest number since 2007 and second-highest since data collection began 79 years ago, the Federal Highway Administration announced.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 12, 2015
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

Senate Confirms Christopher Hart, Tho Dinh-Zarr for NTSB Spots

The Senate on March 12 easily confirmed Christopher Hart to be the full-time chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 12, 2015
Government, Business

Bill Would Let States Collect Online Sales Tax

A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to allow states to collect sales taxes on online purchases, potential revenue that at least two states have directed to roads.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 12, 2015
Government, Business, Fuel

ARTBA Says Raise Fuel Tax 15 Cents, Give Taxpayers Rebates

The nation’s road builders have proposed that Congress hike the federal diesel and gasoline tax 15 cents a gallon and offset the cost for low- and middle-income people with tax rebates.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 12, 2015
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel, Autonomous

Science Group Urges Strong Greenhouse Gas Rule

The Union of Concerned Scientists wants two federal agencies to set a rigorous standard for improvement in their rule on greenhouse gas emissions by heavy- and medium-duty trucks, which is due by the end of March.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
March 11, 2015
Government, Business

Teamsters, Safety Groups Sue DOT Over Opening Border to Mexican Carriers

The Teamsters union and two highway safety advocate groups have filed suit against the U.S. Department of Transportation over DOT’s recent decision to open the border to Mexican trucks.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 10, 2015
Government

Sen. Hatch: Hopeful For a Trust Fund Fix by May 31

WASHINGTON—Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said tax policy writers in the Senate are “working behind the scenes” to unveil a plan that would ensure long-term funding for highway programs, before a law authorizing such funding expires May 31.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 10, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

Secretary Anthony Foxx to Speak at Council on Foreign Relations March 16

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx will be promoting his policy priorities when he speaks at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., on March 16.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 10, 2015