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.
House, Senate Agree on Budget Maintaining Current Highway Spending Levels
House and Senate budget negotiators have agreed on a budget deal that maintains current highway spending levels through Fiscal Year 2014.
US DOT Deputy Secretary to Step Down
U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari will leave his position Dec. 31, according to an e-mail to DOT staff.
Senators, Business Air Disputes on Renewable Fuel
Senators questioned the usefulness of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard — which covers the production of biodiesel blended into truck fuel — with some calling for the abolition of the supports and other saying RFS should be modified to accommodate changes in the nation’s energy sector.
Trucking Conditions Index Remains High in October
FTR said its Trucking Conditions Index remained high in October due to capacity tightness from regulatory drag from the implementation of the hours-of-service rules.
December 11, 2013D.C. Bill Would Not Ban Diesel Trucks, City Says
A bill that trucking industry stakeholders have said would ban the registration of new diesel vehicles in the District of Columbia beginning in 2018 was “misinterpreted” by the industry, the city’s environmental legislative director said.
Oregon Timber Haulers Ask for Rest-Break Exemption
The Oregon Trucking Association has filed a petition asking that during the fire season timber haulers in the state be exempted from the hours-of-service rule provision that requires drivers to take 30-minute breaks every eight hours.
Representative Criticizes HOS Rule in His N.Y. District
U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y) went to Burr Truck & Trailer Sales in Vestal, N.Y., on Dec. 9 to promote his bill to roll back part of the new hours-of-service rule for truck drivers, he said.
California Trucking Association Names New CEO
The California Trucking Association has named Shawn Yadon as its new chief executive officer.
December 10, 2013Nafta Surface Trade Grows 6.6% in September
Surface trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico increased 6.6% in September, the Department of Transportation announced.
December 9, 2013CSA Problems Continue to Make Scores ‘Unreliable,’ ATA Says
Data and methodology problems continue to undercut the accuracy and reliability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program of motor carrier measurement scores, according to a new American Trucking Associations white paper.