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.
House Ethics Panel Clears Rep. Petri
The House Committee on Ethics announced it would not discipline retiring Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), stating that the 18-term lawmaker sought and adhered to the committee's guidance when he aided firms in which he owned stock.
HOS Restart Rule Reverts to Pre-July 2013 Status; Questions and Answers
Questions and answers on the impact of the suspension of the HOS restart provision approved by Congress (as supplied by American Trucking Associations).
December 15, 2014Maine Senator Is Again Friend to Trucking as Rule Eased
For the second time in three years, the trucking industry has found a friend in Senator Susan Collins.
Congress Debates Spending Bill
House Democratic opposition to relaxing a key financial measure was holding up passage of a $1 trillion omnibus funding bill that includes a suspension of the hours-of-service restart provision as Transport Topics went to press.
December 15, 2014Senate Approves $1 Trillion Spending Bill and HOS Provision Suspension; Obama Signs into Law
The Senate has passed the $1 trillion federal spending bill that includes the suspension of a key HOS restart provision.
December 12, 2014Trucking Conditions Index Dips, Remains Positive
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index dipped in October but stayed positive, reflecting strong fundamentals for trucking firms, the group said.
December 12, 2014House Passes $1 Trillion Funding Bill Containing Suspension of HOS Restart Provision
The U.S. House passed a $1 trillion funding bill late Dec. 11 containing a provision that would suspend federal limits on truckers’ weekly work schedules; Senate to debate on Friday.
HOS Suspension Included In $1 Trillion Omnibus Bill
A provision that would suspend parts of an hours of service rule has been included in a $1 trillion bill congressional lawmakers plan to advance to President Obama’s desk this month to keep federal agencies funded through fiscal 2015.
Feds Look to Trucking Industry for Driver Training Committee Members
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is soliciting applications and nominations from trucking industry stakeholders to serve on an advisory committee to negotiate and help develop proposed regulations for entry-level truck driver training.
Highway Funds Fall Low Enough That Republicans Seek Taxes
Falling fuel prices, crumbling roads and bridges and a gridlocked Congress have U.S. states, even those run by Republicans, debating higher taxes.