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.
OOIDA Challenges New York Decal Fee
New York state’s registration and decal fee for out-of-state trucks are “unconstitutional highway taxes,” the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association alleged in a class-action lawsuit filed with the state’s supreme court last week.
AIPBA Seeks to Resume Lawsuit on Broker Bond
The Association of Independent Property Brokers and Agents asked a federal district court Oct. 15 to remove its stay on the group’s lawsuit against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
U.S. Military Freight Dwindles as Govt. Shutdown Continues
The two-week-old federal government shutdown has brought business with the U.S. military to a near standstill, according to several fleet executives.
October 14, 2013PHMSA Reaffirms Right of Its Inspectors To Open Suspicious Hazardous Shipments
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a rule reaffirming that agency inspectors have the right to open in-transit hazardous materials packages they suspect are noncompliant or present a potential safety hazard
October 14, 2013Congress Sends Apnea Bill to President; Measure Requires FMCSA Rulemaking
Congress has passed and sent to President Obama for his signature legislation to require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct a full rulemaking process on the testing and treatment of truck drivers for sleep apnea, rather than issuing guidance.
October 14, 2013Takeover Target USA Truck Sues Knight
USA Truck Inc. has sued Knight Transportation, which is trying to acquire USA Truck, for breach of contract, claiming that Knight breached a confidentiality agreement between the two companies.
Bill Seeks Evaluation of TWIC Program
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (R-Texas), has introduced legislation to require the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to complete a “comprehensive security assessment” of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program.
October 10, 2013Obama Nominates Yellen as Fed Chairwoman
President Obama nominated Janet Yellen, the Federal Reserve’s vice chairwoman, to be the first female chairwoman of the nation’s central bank, the Associated Press reported.
October 9, 2013IMF Cuts Global Growth Forecast Amid Uncertainty in U.S.
The International Monetary Fund cut its global outlook for this year and next, warning that a U.S. government default could seriously damage the world economy, Bloomberg News reported.
October 9, 2013Federal Officers May Open In-Transit Packages Under PHMSA Rule
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a rule reaffirming that agency inspectors have the right to open in-transit packages that they suspect do not comply with hazmat regulations or present a potential safety hazard.