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.
Researchers Outline Plans for Federal Truck Size and Weight Study
The federal government’s truck size-and-weight study began taking shape last week as researchers outlined how they plan to assess whether larger trucks affect highway safety, pavement wear and modal shifts.
Fed to Cut Back Bond-Buying
The Federal Reserve Board of Governors voted Dec. 18 to reduce its bond-buying in the first major step to taper the quantitative easing it has conducted to prop up the U.S. economy during the recession.
December 18, 2013Feds to Launch Study on HOS Sleeper Berth Flexibility, FMCSA Says
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it is planning to do a field study on split rest times for those who drive sleeper berths.
N.Y. Trucking, Union Advocates Push Cuomo to Sign Contractor Bill by Dec. 31 Deadline
The New York State Motor Truck Association and the Teamsters have sent a joint letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) urging him to sign a private contractor bill supported by the truckers and labor.
FMCSA Extends Comment Time for CSA Website Changes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended by 15 days the deadline for public comment on its proposed enhancements to the display information on the agency’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program website.
US Consumer Prices Unchanged in November
Consumer prices did not change in November from the previous month, the Labor Department reported Dec. 17.
December 17, 2013Senate Confirms Johnson to Lead Homeland Security Department
The Senate on Dec. 16 confirmed Jeh Johnson to lead the Department of Homeland Security, clearing the way for him to become the fourth homeland security secretary.
December 17, 2013Most Drivers Support Speed Limiters for Trucks, NHTSA Says
A majority of all drivers support mandating speed-limiting devices on trucks, according to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey on driver attitudes and behavior.
ATA Seeks Study on Sleeper Berth HOS Rules
American Trucking Associations and the Minnesota Trucking Association are asking the federal government to do a pilot project to study whether greater flexibility in hours-of service-rules for truck drivers who use sleeper berths would affect highway safety.