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.
FMCSA Holding to July 1 HOS Date, Ferro Says
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Despite receiving requests from a bipartisan group of seven lawmakers in transportation oversight roles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will not delay the July 1 effective date of the latest changes to its hours-of-service rule, FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro said here Friday.
FMCSA Reverses Skills Test Rule for Truck Driving Schools
The rule prohibiting truck driving schools from skill-testing their own students has been reversed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, American Trucking Associations said Tuesday.
March 26, 2013Idaho Ok’s Bills to Protect Truckers, Allow 129,000 lbs. on State Routes
Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter (R) has signed two bills on critical issues for the trucking industry: protecting them against unfair shipping contracts and making permanent a 129,000-pound weight limit for trucks on 35 state routes.
New Home Sales Fall 4.6% in February
New home sales fell 4.6% in February, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.
March 26, 2013FMCSA to Propose Sleep Apnea Guidance
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is “just about ready” to propose regulatory guidance that would urge medical examiners to require that some obese truck drivers be screened for obstructive sleep apnea before being allowed to drive, an agency official said.
DOT Announces New SaferCar App
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new SaferCar app for iPhones, iPad and iPod Touch devices.
March 25, 2013FMCSA to Propose Sleep Apnea Guidance
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is “just about ready” to propose regulatory guidance that would urge medical examiners to require that some obese truck drivers be screened for obstructive sleep apnea before being allowed to drive, an agency official said.
Nafta Surface Trade Rose 6.2% Last Year
Surface trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico rose 6.2% last year compared with 2011, the Department of Transportation said Thursday.
March 21, 2013Obama Proposes Tax Credits to Promote Natural-Gas Use in Trucking Industry
President Obama has proposed giving those who buy trucks powered by natural gas a 50% tax credit on the price differential between natural gas and diesel-powered trucks.
Engineers’ Group Gives U.S. Infrastructure ‘D+’
The state of America’s infrastructure improved slightly to a “D+” grade from a “D” grade four years ago, while roads improved to “D” from “D-,” the American Society of Civil Engineers said.