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.
LaHood Signals ‘Bold’ Infrastructure Plan Is Forthcoming From President Obama
WASHINGTON — Outgoing Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said President Obama will soon announce a sweeping infrastructure funding plan.
June 10, 2013Sen. Lautenberg of New Jersey Dies at 89
U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a key figure in national transportation policy over the past 30 years, died last week after a lengthy illness. He was 89.
June 10, 2013FMCSA to Propose CSA-Related Changes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration confirmed Friday it will propose changes to the presentation of its safety-rankings system later this year.
ATA’s Graves Urges Veto of N.J. Classification Bill
American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves has written a letter to the governor of New Jersey, urging him to veto a bill that would reclassify most drayage and parcel truck owner-operators as employees.
Senate Panel Sets Meeting to Consider Foxx Nomination for DOT
A Senate panel may vote today on the confirmation of Anthony Foxx as transportation secretary, a vote that would send him to the full Senate for its consideration.
June 7, 2013Economy Grew Modestly in May, Fed Says; Trucking Execs Cite Growth, Concerns
The U.S. economy improved at a “modest to moderate” pace” in late April and early May, with transportation services and manufacturing showing gains, the Federal Reserve said in a report.
June 5, 2013Teamsters, OOIDA Appeal Court’s Mexican Trucks Decision
The Teamsters union and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association have asked a federal court to reconsider its April decision that upheld the government’s cross-border Mexican trucking plan, saying the decision conflicts with the law.
ISM Services Index Improves in May
An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector increased in May, the Institute for Supply Management reported Wednesday.
June 5, 2013NTSB Wants Big-Rig Safety Technologies on Straight Trucks, Vans
The National Transportation Safety Board asked federal regulators Tuesday to apply some safety technology requirements to straight trucks, vans and pickup trucks that currently only apply to heavy trucks, saying those components could increase safety and prevent deaths.
Transportation Leaders Praise Sen. Lautenberg’s Legacy
Tributes poured in for New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D), who until his death Monday at the age of 89 was a key policymaker in every aspect of transportation, from passenger and freight rail to highway safety and drunk-driving laws.