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 Panel Seeks Dedicated Freight Infrastructure Funding
A special House panel on freight has suggested that Congress develop recommendations for how to create a dedicated fund for freight infrastructure projects before the current surface transportation authorization law expires in September 2014.
October 29, 2013FMCSA Formally Exempts Shorthaul, Munitions Drivers from Rest-Breaks Requirement
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has formally amended its 2011 hours of service rule to exempt shorthaul and munitions drivers from taking a 30-minute rest break after eight hours of driving.
Consumer Confidence Drops to Six-Month Low; Business Inventories Rise
Consumer confidence declined in October to the lowest level in six months, the New York-based Conference Board said Oct. 29.
October 29, 2013Indiana Gov. Names Panel to Prioritize Transportation Projects
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) has named the members of a state panel to prioritize transportation projects over the coming decade now that projects paid for by the lease of the Indiana Toll Road are nearly completed.
Diesel Average Unchanged at $3.886
The average U.S. retail price for diesel was unchanged at $3.886 a gallon last week, after declining for five straight weeks, the Department of Energy reported Oct. 21.
October 28, 2013House Freight Panel to Issue Report
The House panel examining the state of freight transportation in the United States and how improving that could strengthen the nation’s economy will unveil its report Oct. 30 in Washington.
FMCSA Takes Three Drivers Off the Road
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ordered three truck drivers off the road, declaring each an “imminent hazard to public safety,” the agency reported.
U.S. House Passes Port Dredging, Improvement Bill
The U.S. House on Oct. 23 passed the Water Resources Reform Development Act, authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with dredging and other improvements at ports that would allow massive cargo ships coming through a widened Panama Canal to dock.
U.S. Trade Deficit Little Changed in August
The U.S. trade deficit was little changed in August, rising 0.4%, the Commerce Department reported.
October 24, 2013ATA Opens NTDC to State Association Members
ORLANDO, Fla — American Trucking Associations is opening participation in its National Truck Driving Championships to members of affiliated state trucking associations who may not be ATA members, officials announced.