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 Seeks Road Funds
President Obama’s 2014 budget contains a one-time boost of $27 billion for “critical highway infrastructure” and cross-border roads to augment the $41 billion Congress has already authorized for highways next year.
April 15, 2013Trucking Ready for Panama Canal Expansion But Cites Infrastructure Concerns
The trucking industry is prepared for projected increases in freight set to come from an expanded Panama Canal, but an industry executive warned a Senate panel of challenges related to congestion and the condition of U.S. infrastructure.
April 11, 2013NHTSA Cites Widespread Use of Electronic Devices by Auto Drivers
At any given daylight moment, about 660,000 automobile drivers are using a cellphone or manipulating an electronic device, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
April 11, 2013Obama Budget Calls for Transportation Funding Increase
President Obama on Wednesday called for transportation budget increases of 5.5% in 2014 and 25% in 2015, though the president was criticized by the trucking industry for not providing adequate detail on how the increases would be funded.
April 10, 2013Kansas Gov. Wins Control of Turnpike
The Kansas legislature has passed a measure initiated by Gov. Sam Brownback (R) that puts the secretary of transportation in charge of operations at the Kansas Turnpike, although the bill stipulates that turnpike toll revenue cannot be shifted to the Department of Transportation.
Volvo-Dongfeng China Truck Venture to Begin Operations in Early 2014
Volvo AB’s $900 million joint venture with China’s Dongfeng Motor Group Co. is on track to begin operations early next year, Volvo CEO Olof Persson said, according to Chinese press reports.
April 9, 2013Vermont Plan Could Boost Diesel Tax
The Vermont Senate’s efforts to minimize an increase in the state’s gasoline tax could raise the diesel tax there by as much as 4 cents over the next two years, the Rutland (Vt.) Herald reported.
April 8, 2013FMCSA Will Miss Deadline for ELD Rule, Ferro Says
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will miss an October deadline set by Congress to mandate electronic logging devices in all trucks, according to Administrator Anne Ferro.
April 8, 2013FMCSA Utilizes New Regulatory Power to Close Uncooperative Motor Carrier
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is using new authority Congress granted it under last year’s transportation law to crack down on errant trucking firms and to reinforce safety regulations.
April 8, 2013Obama Expected to Pressure Congress to Increase Spending on Infrastructure
President Obama is expected to unveil a budget Wednesday that contains billions of dollars in new infrastructure funding as he steps up pressure on Congress to invest in the nation’s roads, bridges, ports and public transit.
April 8, 2013