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.
U.S. Economy Expands at 2.8% Rate in Third Quarter
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8% annual rate in the third quarter, up from a 2.5% growth rate the previous three months, the Commerce Department said Nov. 7.
November 7, 2013OOIDA Asks Supreme Court to Review Decision on Cross-Border Trucking Program
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review an appeals court decision upholding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s authority to operate a cross-border pilot program allowing Mexican drivers to operate throughout the United States.
FMCSA Orders N.C. Trucking Firm Out of Service
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has shut down a North Carolina trucking company for failing to comply with multiple safety regulations, the agency announced Nov. 5.
Ohio State Reps Introduce Alternative-Fuels Bill
Ohio State Reps. Sean O’Brien (D) and Dave Hall (R) introduced legislation Nov. 4 that would provide tax incentives for companies that use alternative fuels.
November 5, 2013Ontario Considering 2% Biodiesel Rule
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment is considering a fuel mandate that would require diesel fuel sold there to contain 2% biodiesel, with the percentage doubled by 2016.
Enhanced CSA Website Goes Live
A preview of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s enhancements to the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program public website went live Nov. 4.
Factory Orders Rise in September
Factory orders increased 1.7% in September, the Commerce Department reported Nov. 4.
November 4, 2013Knight Says USA Truck Shows ‘Limited Improvement’
Knight Transportation Inc. said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that takeover target USA Truck Inc.’s “recent financial results demonstrate only limited improvement and that its recent share price surge is unsupported by either industry or company specific fundamentals.”
DOT’s Speed-Limiter Proposal to Add Older Trucks, Aide Says
An upcoming federal rule mandating speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks will include the requirement that current vehicles be retrofitted as well as new trucks rolling down assembly lines, according to an official of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
November 4, 2013Trucks Involved in Fatal Crashes Rise 3% in 2011, FMCSA Says
The yearly number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes is on the rise again after nearly a decade of declining, according to the most recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.