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.
Brake Inspection Blitz Set for Sept. 8-14
State and federal law enforcement officers will focus on inspecting truck and bus brake systems Sept. 8 to 14 during Brake Safety Week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said.
September 6, 2013DOT Announces $474 Million in TIGER Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation will give $474 million in grants to 52 transportation projects in 37 states as part of a competitive grant project, it said Sept. 5.
September 5, 2013FMCSA Provides Brokers Extra Time to File Increased Bond Paperwork
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it will provide additional time for freight brokers to supply proof they’ve increased their minimum surety bonds to $75,000 from $10,000.
ISM Services Index Rises in August
An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector rose in August, the Institute for Supply Management reported Sept. 5.
September 5, 2013FMCSA’s Crash-Fault Study Complete, Under Agency Review
A federal study of how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration could assign fault for truck crashes has been completed, but is being reviewed in-house by the agency, officials said.
Nevada County to Index Fuel Taxes
Clark County, home to Las Vegas, will begin indexing state fuel taxes Jan. 1. For Clark County purchases, that could add 3 cents to 5 cents a gallon to the state’s 27.81-cent-a-gallon diesel tax in 2014 and as much as 9 cents to 15 cents by 2016.
Economy Shows Modest Growth, Fed ‘Beige Book’ Says
The U.S. economy improved at a moderate pace in the six weeks ended in late August, the Federal Reserve said.
September 4, 2013Delaware Law to Require Backup Warning Devices for Trucks
Heavy trucks based in Delaware will soon have to be equipped with devices that can warn drivers or bystanders when the vehicles are backing up.
September 4, 2013U.S. Trade Deficit Widens in July
The U.S. trade deficit increased 13.3% in July from an almost four-year low, the Commerce Department reported.
September 4, 2013Americans Are Driving Less, Report Says
The distance Americans drove annually fell between 2004 and 2012, a fact that should affect the way policymakers allocate money for transportation, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund said.