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.
Wash. State Lawmakers Propose 11.5-Cent Fuel Tax Increase
Washington state Senate leaders have proposed boosting the state’s taxes on diesel and gasoline by 11.5 cents to pay for $12.3 billion in transportation projects, The Associated Press reported.
November 15, 2013House Panel Schedules Hearing on HOS Rule
Anne Ferro, head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, will testify before a House hearing on the hours-of-service rule for truck drivers that went into effect in July.
N.Y. Improperly Spending Toll Revenue, ATA Says in Lawsuit
Officials with the New York State Thruway, a major artery for commercial trucking, are improperly spending millions of dollars in toll revenues annually on the state’s mostly recreational canal system, according to a federal class-action lawsuit filed Nov. 14 by American Trucking Associations.
AAR Asks PHMSA to Tighten Tank Car Rules
A freight railroad trade group said it has asked the Department of Transportation to tighten federal regulations on rail tank cars for hauling flammable liquids.
U.S. Postal Service to Increase Rates 2.4% in 2014
The U.S. Postal Service said it plans to increase overall prices 2.4% in 2014.
November 14, 20133Q Productivity rises 1.9%
U.S. workers’ productivity rose at a 1.9% annual rate in the third quarter, the Labor Department reported.
November 14, 2013Panel Recommends Including Logistics Companies in SmartWay
SmartWay should be expanded to include the other freight modes besides trucking and should recruit members among the logistics companies that steer work to drayage haulers at ports, said a special advisory panel to the Environmental Protection Agency.
FMCSA Considers Mexican Carrier for Cross-Border Program
The Federal Motor Carrier Administration is considering certification of the 15th carrier under the cross-border pilot program that allows Mexican trucking companies to run longhaul trips in the United States.
Feds Seek Rule Changes to Help Military Veterans Become Truck Drivers
Federal truck safety officials said they plan to revise regulations in an effort to help veterans and military personnel more easily become civilian truck drivers.
Arkansas Best Net Income More Than Doubles
Arkansas Best Corp. more than doubled third-quarter earnings to $14 million, or 52 cents per share, sparked by improved results at both the ABF Freight System less-than-truckload unit and other services.