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.
Diamond, Roberts Truck Dealerships to Merge
Diamond Cos., a holding company for International brand truck and bus dealerships, will merge with Roberts Truck Center, effective Jan. 1, the companies said.
November 1, 2013Virginia Court Rules Planned Tunnel Tolls Can Proceed
The Virginia Supreme Court ruled Oct. 31 that the state can proceed with plans to begin tolling in February on two existing tunnels between Norfolk and Portsmouth in order to pay for construction of a third.
Congressmen Want to Suspend HOS Restart Changes
A bipartisan trio of House members have introduced a bill to delay the latest changes to the 34-hour restart provision of the hours-of-service rule for truck drivers until a study of the changes is completed.
Legislation Would Allow Hair Testing Alone for Required Truck-Driver Drug Tests
A senator and a representative from Arkansas have introduced bills that would allow trucking companies to use hair samples to conduct the required pre-employment drug tests on driver applicants.
October 31, 2013Canadian Carriers Report Mixed Earnings
Three Canadian trucking companies reported financial results from the third quarter, with two firms having higher profits than a year ago and one posting lower earnings.
October 31, 2013Jobless Claims Decline by 10,000 as California Clears Backlog
Jobless claims declined by 10,000 for the week ended Oct. 26 as backlogs in California cleared after a switch in computer systems, Bloomberg News reported.
October 31, 2013Consumer Price Index Rises in September
The consumer price index rose 0.2% in September, the Labor Department said Oct. 30.
October 30, 2013Lawmakers to Hold Hearing on HOS Rule
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association said the House will hold a hearing in November on the latest federal hours-of-service rule for truck drivers.
Canada Delays eManifest Mandate for Border Crossing
The Canada Border Services Agency has announced that its e-manifest requirements for highway and rail carriers will not be mandatory this fall, because of what the agency called “timelines associated with regulatory processes.”
Feds Defend ‘Conflict Mineral’ Disclosure Rule in Court
The Securities and Exchange Commission took “numerous steps” to lessen the burdens imposed by a rule requiring that public companies search out and shed their supply chains of “conflict minerals,” according to an appeals court brief filed by SEC attorneys.
