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.
Calif. Extends Soot Filter Deadline for Some Truckers
California environmental regulators said they will give truckers operating in the state who show “good faith efforts” additional time beyond the Jan. 1 compliance deadline requiring most heavy-trucks to install particulate filters.
Kentucky Gets Federal Loan for Ohio River Bridges Project
Kentucky was awarded a low-interest federal loan that will save an estimated $100 million in financing costs for the Ohio River Bridges Project, Gov. Steve Beshear’s office announced Nov. 20.
Ohio Sen. Wants FMCSA’s Role in Food Safety Defined
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) wants the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to take a more active role in food safety when the national food supply is moving in refrigerated vans and tank trucks.
Tolls End On Ga. 400 In Atlanta
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) collected the last toll on State Route 400 on Nov. 22, keeping the state’s promise to end tolling on the road once its debt had been retired.
Congress Urged to Act On Highway Funding
WASHINGTON — Congress no longer can put off finding a long-term solution to U.S. infrastructure needs without risking that the nation will slip behind global competitors, several industry leaders said Nov. 21 during a transportation conference here.
November 25, 2013Ferro, House Republicans Spar Over HOS Rule Changes
House Republicans and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro sparred over the 34-hour restart provision of the new hours-of-service rule for truck drivers at a hearing last week, with some members accusing her agency of “arrogance” and slowness in producing a congressionally required study on the rule.
November 25, 2013FMCSA Says Carriers Can Cut Accidents by Using Its Pre-Employment Screening
Fleets that use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Pre-Employment Screening Program to check driver safety records had 8% fewer crashes than carriers that don’t use the system, according to a recent FMCSA study.
November 25, 2013Hill OKs Tracking Requirement For Transport of Pharmaceuticals
A bill requiring companies to track the distribution of prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals was approved by Congress last week.
November 25, 2013HOS Changes Hurt Carriers, Lower Driver Pay, ATRI Says
Just four months into the federal hours-of-service rules on rest breaks, carriers said they have had to hire more drivers, pay higher wages, buy more rigs, juggle work schedules and lower customer expectations of service.
November 25, 2013Truck Toll Discounts to End Early on Texas Highway
Discounts for truckers on a well-known Texas toll road, State Highway 130, are ending Dec. 1, earlier than planned.