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

Fourth-Quarter GDP Rate Revised Down to 2.4%

The U.S. economy increased at a revised 2.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter, down from an originally reported 3.2% gross domestic product figure, the Commerce Department reported.

February 28, 2014
Government

Foxx Asks State Leaders to Help Push Obama’s Highway Plan

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx urged state transportation leaders Feb. 27 to help persuade Congress to pass President Obama’s plan to save the Highway Trust Fund and ramp up infrastructure investment across the country.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
February 27, 2014
Government, Business

Nafta Surface Trade Grows 6.5% in December

Surface trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico increased 6.5% in December, the Department of Transportation announced.

February 27, 2014
Government

Obama to Propose 4-Year Transportation Budget, Touts TIGER Grants

President Obama told a St. Paul, Minn., audience he will send a four-year transportation budget to Congress in March to help rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, a plan he said would provide jobs now and economic growth later.

February 27, 2014
Government, Business

Businesses Urge Highway Bill to Help Freight Movement

Trucking and other industries that rely on highways to move goods pressed Congress again Feb. 26 to pass a fully funded, long-term surface transportation bill to improve the nation’s highways.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
February 26, 2014
Government

Boxer Calls for April Highway Bill Markup; Doubts Increase in Fuel Taxes

WASHINGTON — The Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee will begin markup of a multiyear highway-funding plan in April, and the legislation probably will not include increases in fuel tax rates, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), EPW’s chairman, told a group of state transportation officials.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
February 26, 2014
Government

US DOT Orders Shippers to Test Oil From Bakken Region Before Transport by Rail

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an emergency order requiring shippers to test product from the Bakken region in North Dakota and Montana to ensure proper classification of crude oil before it is transported by rail.

February 26, 2014
Government, Business, Safety

House Bill Would Extend HOS Exemptions for Propane Haulers

Two Republican congressmen have introduced legislation they said would expedite propane deliveries during the current shortage by providing hours-of-service flexibility to truckers hauling the gas.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
February 26, 2014
Government, Business

Colorado Senate Panel, House Pass Anti-Indemnification Bill

Colorado could become the 40th state to pass legislation protecting truckers against having to assume full liability for accidents, regardless of who is at fault.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
February 25, 2014
Business, Government, Logistics

Consumer Confidence Declines in February

Consumer confidence declined in February, the New York-based Conference Board said Feb. 25.

February 25, 2014