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.
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, 2014Hart 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, 2014ELD 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, 2014Rep. 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.
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.
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.
Construction Spending Rises Little in May
Construction spending rose 0.1% in May, the Commerce Department reported July 1.
July 1, 2014Funds 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.
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, 2014Fleets 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