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.
Idaho Lawmakers Approve Increased Truck Weight on 35 State Highways
Idaho lawmakers Monday gave final approval of a bill that would allow 129,000-pound truck loads on 35 designated state highways.
Diesel Retrofit Sales Drop for Fourth Consecutive Year
Sales of all diesel retrofit devices in the United States declined in 2012 for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association.
March 19, 2013Obama to Nominate Civil Rights Lawyer as New U.S. Secretary of Labor
Thomas Perez, currently head of the Civil Rights division of the U.S. Justice Department, is President Obama’s choice for labor secretary.
Transports Lead Stock Rise as Indexes Set New Records
Trucking and transportation stock indexes have increased more rapidly over the past six months than those for the broad market, with most of the growth coming since the start of 2013.
March 18, 2013FMCSA Offers Some Farmers HOS Exemption
A rule published Thursday by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration expands the distance that drivers hauling agricultural products, livestock, machinery or supplies to or from farms can travel under the hours-of-service exemption for the agriculture industry.
Consumer Confidence Falls in March
Consumer confidence fell in March, according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index released Friday.
March 15, 2013Consumer Price Index Rises for First Time in Four Months
The consumer price index rose for the first time in four months, the Labor Department said Friday.
March 15, 2013U.S., Canada Set Cargo Pre-Inspection Program
The Canadian public safety department said Thursday it has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to create a truck cargo pre-inspection pilot program.
March 14, 2013Senate Restores MAP-21 Transportation Funding Levels Cut by House
The Senate restored the transportation funding that was cut last week by the House in the House’s proposed continuing resolution to fund the federal government through September.
FMCSA Warns Truckers to Use Truck-Specific GPS
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has begun distributing cards to truck drivers warning them that using GPS navigation devices meant for smaller vehicles can be dangerous and could lead to trucks hitting low bridges.