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.
Maryland Truckers Oppose Plan to Index Fuel Taxes
The Maryland Motor Truck Association will oppose a transportation funding plan put forth by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) that includes a new sales tax on motor fuel and a 5-cent reduction in the gasoline tax but not in the diesel tax.
DOT, FMCSA on Alert for Fraudulent Tags
Law enforcement officers have recently observed several commercial drivers and vehicles with fraudulent licenses and license plates that purport to be issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
TCA Chairman Kretsinger to Set His Focus on Helping Fleets Prep for New Regulations
LAS VEGAS — Lawyer-turned-trucker Tom Kretsinger, the new chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association, last week staked out an ambitious goal: Prepare the industry for new federal health care, disability and discrimination standards that are complex and sometimes contradictory.
March 11, 2013Economy, Trucking Began Year at ‘Moderate’ Growth Pace, Fed Says
The U.S. economy started the year “expanding at a modest to moderate pace,” and transportation and trucking activity were mixed as tonnage increased, the Federal Reserve said.
March 7, 2013Obama Names Choices for EPA, Energy
President Obama on Monday named Gina McCarthy as his choice to be the Environmental Protection Agency’s next administrator, and Ernest Moniz to be Energy Secretary.
Ohio River Bridge Plan May Include Tolls, Officials Say
Plans for the best way to provide much-needed rehabilitation to the Brent Spence Bridge spanning the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Covington, Ky., are likely to include tolls whether the bridge is rebuilt or lanes are added to the existing one.
Florida Raises Weight Limit for Trucks Carrying Intermodal Containers
In an attempt to attract more international freight to Florida’s ports, Gov. Rick Scott (R) said that the state now allows trucks hauling intermodal containers to weigh up to 100,000 pounds, up from a previous limit of 95,000 pounds.
Maryland Gov. Proposes New Gas Tax
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) proposed changing the state’s fuel-tax structure by lowering the retail tax on gasoline but boosting the wholesale tax, which would in effect raise the tax on end users, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.
March 5, 2013Oregon Low-Carbon Standard Would Cost Trucking Money, Jobs, OTA Says
Low-carbon fuel standard legislation being debated in the Oregon legislature would cost truckers more than $7 billion a year in extra fuel costs and eliminate 29,000 jobs, according to the Oregon Trucking Associations.
FMCSA Denies HOS Delay
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced it won’t delay the July 1 start date for enforcing the latest changes to its hours-of-service rule for truck drivers.
March 4, 2013