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.
First-Quarter GDP Revised Down to 1.8%
The U.S. gross domestic product was revised down to a 1.8% annual growth rate in the first quarter from a previous 2.4% estimate, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
June 26, 2013N.C. Approves Governor’s Funding Plan, Reallocates State Road Money
North Carolina lawmakers gave final approval to Gov. Pat McCrory’s transportation reform bill, a measure that changes how road funding money is distributed in the state.
Consumer Confidence Rises in June
Consumer confidence rose in June, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.
June 25, 2013Hostess Returns Under New Management
Hostess is back under new management and leaner structure and says it plans to have Twinkies and its other snacks on shelves by July 15, the Associated Press reported.
June 25, 2013New York Passes Bill to Define Owner-Operator Classification Status
The New York State Legislature passed a bill late last week to clearly define independent owner-operators in the trucking industry and crack down on employers who use the owner-operator model to avoid giving employees certain benefits.
Congressional Freight Panel Visits FedEx, Memphis Port
A Congressional panel established to identify ways to improve U.S. freight transportation efficiency visited FedEx Corp. facilities and the Port of Memphis, Tenn., late last week, meeting with representatives of the region’s freight transportation community.
June 24, 2013Senate Set to Vote on Foxx DOT Nomination This Week
The Senate is likely to hold a confirmation vote this week on Anthony Foxx to lead the Department of Transportation, The Hill newspaper reported.
June 24, 2013CARB Steps Up Trucking Diesel Regulations Enforcement
The California Air Resources Board has stepped up enforcement of its stringent diesel truck regulations to ensure that trucks traveling from Mexico to the state’s ports and rail yards are compliant.
E-Logging Proposal Sent to DOT; Rule Could Be Issued in November
A proposed supplemental rule for electronic logging devices has been sent to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s office and is expected to be published as soon as November.
June 21, 2013N.C. House Blocks 75-MPH Speed Limit; Separate Measure Would Waive CDL Requirements for Veterans
The North Carolina House blocked a bill that would have raised top highway speeds to 75 mph in the state, citing safety concerns, the (Raleigh) News and Observer reported.
June 21, 2013