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.

Government, Business

Large Police Group Endorses Senate Push to Suspend Last Year’s HOS Restart Changes

The National Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed suspending the year-old federal hours-of-service rule change, a proposal senators are expected to take up before their August recess.

July 7, 2014
Government

Hart Says Truck and Pipeline Safety to Be Top Priorities as NTSB Chief

The Obama administration’s choice to lead a federal transportation safety agency has pledged to ensure the country’s elaborate pipeline system is well-maintained and roads and skyways are safe for the traveling public.

July 7, 2014
Business, Government, Safety

ELD Comments Pour Into FMCSA

Comment from fleets, owner-operators and others concerned with electronic logging devices poured into the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration right up until the deadline.

July 7, 2014
Government, Business

Rep. Blumenauer to Advocate for Higher Gas Tax

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), a member of the influential House Budget Committee, has been calling for increasing the federal gas tax to fund large-scale transportation infrastructure projects for several years.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
July 2, 2014
Government, Business

Obama Calls on Congress to Address Highway Trust Fund Crisis

President Obama chided Congress July 1 for not addressing the crisis in the Highway Trust fund, saying that further inaction could close down highway projects and endanger tens of thousands of jobs.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
July 1, 2014
Government, Business, Safety

Trust Fund Crisis Means States Receive Partial, Delayed Reimbursements

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has notified state transportation officials that as of Aug. 1 the federal government no longer will be making same-day payments to reimburse states for completed road work.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
July 1, 2014
Government, Business

Construction Spending Rises Little in May

Construction spending rose 0.1% in May, the Commerce Department reported July 1.

July 1, 2014
Government, Business

Funds for States to Train Drivers Closer to Approval

After more than a decade of temporary extensions, the Workforce Development Act that funnels money to states to train job seekers, including truck drivers, is closer to Congressional approval.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
June 30, 2014
Business, Government, Fuel, Autonomous

Scania Touts Fuel Savings of Dual Trailers

Swedish truck maker Scania AB said that by driving with two full-length trailers fuel consumption is reduced by up to 30%.

June 30, 2014
Business, Government, Safety, Equipment

Fleets Need Stricter Tire Maintenance Routines as Highway Conditions Worsen, Makers Say

With the federal and state governments hard-pressed to keep roadways in good shape, extra attention to tires during and between hauls is essential to maximizing their life span, manufacturers said.

June 30, 2014