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.
Senate Panel Approves Rosekind to Head NHTSA
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Dec. 9 approved the nomination of Mark Rosekind to become administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Alabama Diesel Sales Tax Case
The State of Alabama argued before the U.S. Supreme Court Dec. 9 that just because truckers are exempt from the state’s sales tax on diesel purchases does not mean that railroads are discriminated against because they must pay the tax when buying off-road diesel.
DOE Lowers Diesel-Price Forecast to $3.07
Diesel will average $3.07 a gallon next year, the Department of Energy said Dec. 9, lowering its most recent forecast by 31 cents.
Inspection Report Paperwork Rule Repealed by Feds
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rescinded a requirement that property-carrying commercial motor vehicle drivers submit, and motor carriers retain, driver vehicle inspection reports when the driver has neither found nor been made aware of any vehicle defects or deficiencies.
To Maintain Current Highway Conditions, AASHTO Says $120 Billion Is Needed Annually
Local, state and federal governments need to spend a combined $120 billion annually for the next six years just to bring highways and bridges to a condition that meets today’s traffic demands, said a new report from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Senate Panel to Vote on NHTSA Nominee Rosekind Dec. 9
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has scheduled a vote Dec. 9 on the nomination of Mark Rosekind to become administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
ATA Calls on Members to Press Congress to Back HOS Suspension; DOT Against It
American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves asked federation members on Dec. 8 to tell their elected representatives to approve a provision that suspends parts of an hours-of-service rule when Congress considers a large funding bill this week.
Pilot Flying J CEO Asks Judge to Dismiss Lawsuit
Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam asked a federal judge to dismiss federal lawsuits filed by two trucking companies that have alleged Haslam was at the center of a conspiracy to shortchange them of diesel fuel rebates.
Specialized Carriers Seek FMCSA Exemption From Mandatory HOS Rest-Break Provision
The difficulty truckers tend to have with locating parking for an oversized and overweight load, as well as time constraints for moving the goods, has prompted a request to forego federal mandatory rest periods.
December 8, 2014FMCSA Asks Trucking Fleets for Information About Insurance Rates, Coverage Levels
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has turned an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on minimum insurance levels into a survey of trucking and insurance industry practices.
December 8, 2014