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.
Obama Calls for Higher Infrastructure Spending
President Obama said Tuesday that he wants to use billions that would be saved by his proposal to close overseas business-tax loopholes to fund infrastructure projects.
August 1, 2013DOT to Propose Eliminating Paperwork Requirement, Says Will Save Trucking $1.7 Billion Annually
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said Thursday the Department of Transportation will propose eliminating an inspection paperwork requirement that will save the trucking industry $1.7 billion annually.
House Delay of Transportation Measure Puts Move to Block HOS Rule on Hold
House Republicans on Wednesday delayed consideration a $44 billion bill to fund transportation and housing programs before four congressmen could introduce their proposed amendment to block the federal government’s new hours-of-service rule for truck drivers.
Court to Hear CSA Arguments in September
A federal court will hear arguments in September on whether the federal government followed the law in implementing and publicizing the new Compliance, Safety, Accountability program for trucking and bus company safety rankings.
DOT Gives $7 Million to Three Northeast States to Repair Flood-Damaged Roads
The Department of Transportation said it is immediately making available $7 million in emergency relief funds for three Northeastern states to help cover the costs of repairing roads damaged by flooding this summer.
July 31, 2013NAFTA Surface Trade Rises 2.7% in May
Surface trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico rose 2.7% in May from the same month last year but dipped 0.2% from April, the Department of Transportation said Wednesday.
July 31, 2013Second-Quarter GDP Rises 1.7%
The U.S. gross domestic product rose at a 1.7% annual rate in the second quarter, up from 1.1% in the first quarter, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
July 31, 2013Michigan Proposes Privatizing Some State Transportation Operations
Michigan has proposed a sweeping plan under which private companies would take over work currently handled by the state’s transportation department — from operating rest stops and freeway lighting to replacing, repairing and maintaining bridges along interstate highways.
Congressmen Seek Temporary Block of HOS Rule
Four congressmen said they will introduce an amendment soon to temporarily block the federal government’s new hours-of-service rule for truck drivers, saying the rule would cost the trucking industry hundreds of millions of dollars if it is not stopped.
NTSB Calls for Connected Vehicle Technology
The National Transportation Safety Board is calling for all new vehicles to be equipped with connected vehicle technology that could allow them to automatically warn drivers about other vehicles at intersections.