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.
Second-Quarter GDP Rises 2.5%
The U.S. economy rose at a 2.5% annual rate in the second quarter from a 1.1% growth rate in the year’s first three months, the Commerce Department said Sept. 26.
September 26, 2013N.Y. Prosecutors Settle With Trucker on Untaxed Cigarette Accusations
Four New York state prosecutors said they will not prosecute an Ohio-based trucking company for allegedly carrying untaxed cigarettes after the company agreed to take measures to avoid the practice.
September 25, 2013Hazmat Carriers Would Lose Authority for Not Paying Fines Under Proposal
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed a rule that would strip hazardous materials motor carriers their operating authority if they fail to pay civil penalties within 90 days.
FMCSA Shuts Down Texas Carrier Redco Transport
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ordered Texas-based Redco Transport Inc. to stop operations, declaring the company an “imminent hazard to public safety,” it said Sept. 24.
Rule Aims to Reduce Truck-Train Crashes
After a nearly two-decade delay, federal regulators announced a final rule Sept. 24 that will prohibit commercial motor vehicle drivers from entering onto a highway-rail grade crossing unless there is sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.
House to Vote on Sleep Apnea Bill; Senators Introduce Similar Legislation
The House is scheduled to vote Sept. 26 on a bill that would require any federal regulatory action on sleep apnea testing and treatment to go through the formal rulemaking process.
September 24, 2013Editorial: Cheers for FMCSA
We applaud the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for its decisions last week to scrap its proposed rule on truck driver training standards and to proceed with a formal rulemaking on sleep apnea testing.
September 23, 2013Motor Carriers, Shippers Honor Drivers During Nationwide Appreciation Week
Carriers, shippers, associations and other trucking-related organizations last week honored the millions of drivers who move goods as part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
September 23, 2013SoCal Ports’ Import Volume Rises 7.5% in August
Inbound imported containers at the Southern California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach rose 7.5% in August from a year ago, with Long Beach reporting its highest volume since October 2007.
September 20, 2013Calif. Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Upheld in Court
A federal appeals court has upheld a provision in California’s landmark 2007 global warming law requiring the oil industry to reduce the carbon content in diesel and gasoline fuels by at least 10% by 2020.