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 Letter Asks DOT to Consider Size, Weight Effect on Local Roads, Bridges
Forty-five members of the U.S. House sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx asking that the truck size and weight study the federal government is conducting address the effect that heavier or longer trucks would have on local roads and bridges.
FMCSA Asks for Public Comment on Livestock Exemption, Munitions Hauling
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration asked the public Monday to weigh in on whether it should grant a permanent exemption to the rest-break requirement in the new hours-of-service rule to truckers hauling livestock.
Postal Service’s 3Q Loss Narrows
The U.S. Postal Service reported a $740 million loss for its fiscal third quarter, compared with a $5.2 billion loss in the same quarter last year, Bloomberg News reported.
August 12, 2013Mexican Fleets Cite Benefits From Cross-Border Program
Mexican trucking companies that are participating in the U.S. cross-border freight pilot program said it allows them to provide faster service to customers and to have more control over their own operations than the older alternatives, such as transferring freight to U.S. carriers near the border.
August 12, 2013Opinion:Help Wanted: Criminals Need Not Apply
EPA Sets Final 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the Renewable Fuel Standard program established by Congress to reduce carbon climate change.
FMCSA Clarifies HOS Rule’s Shorthaul Exemption
Truck drivers do not have to take a 30-minute break under federal hours-of-service rules if they meet either of the definitions of a “shorthaul” driver, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced.
August 7, 2013Feds Send Electronic Logging Device Rule to White House for Review
Federal regulators sent a proposal to mandate electronic logging devices on all trucks to the White House for its review, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said in an update of regulatory timelines.
Court Upholds Most Provisions of HOS Rule
A federal appeals court upheld the majority of the government’s hours-of-service rule for truck drivers, rejecting most arguments presented by American Trucking Associations and Public Citizen.
August 6, 2013DOT Inspector General Announces Audit of FHWA’s Bridge-Safety Programs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General announced it will audit the efforts the Federal Highway Administration has made to improve the safety of the nation’s bridges.