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.
Nafta Trade Rises 4.9% to Record
U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico rose 4.9% in October from a year earlier to a record $108.2 billion, the Department of Transportation reported Jan. 8.
Truckers Divided on Impact of Rolled-Back HOS Regulations, Survey Shows
Less than half of truckers polled in December say the hours-of-service suspension will affect business positively, Bloomberg News reported.
January 8, 2015Senators Discuss Plausibility of Higher Fuel Taxes
Senators are talking about fuel tax increases to pay for transportation — if not actually embracing the idea.
DeFazio Predicts Congress Will Again Address Mexican Truck Issue
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) said he expects Congress to weigh in on whether more Mexican trucks ought to be running longhaul in the United States now that a three-year pilot program has ended.
DOT Awards $500,000 to Assist Washington State in Fixing Rain-Damaged Roads
The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing Washington state with $500,000 to help authorities fix roads damaged by recent heavy rainfall.
California Farm Bureau Files for Bee Hauler HOS Exemption
The California Farm Bureau Federation has petitioned federal regulators for an exemption from 30-minute rest breaks for drivers transporting bees that are critically needed to pollinate crops.
Rosekind Sworn in as NHTSA Administrator
Mark Rosekind was sworn in as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during a ceremony this week.
FMCSA Renews Vision Waivers for 21 Commercial Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Jan. 6 announced that 21 visually impaired commercial drivers have met the physical requirements to be allowed to continue to operate vehicles on highways.
Trade Gap Shrinks More Than Forecast as US Oil Imports Dry Up
The trade deficit narrowed in November as U.S. petroleum imports sank to the lowest level in more than five years.
White House Unlikely to Support Senate Keystone Pipeline Bill
White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Jan. 6 said President Obama is not likely to sign a Senate bill that would greenlight construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.