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.
Congestion Costs Trucking $27 Billion Annually, Report Says
Traffic congestion in the largest U.S. cities cost the commercial trucking industry about $27 billion in wasted time and fuel in 2011, according to a report released Tuesday.
February 5, 2013ISM Services Index Falls From 10-Month High
An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector decreased in January from a 10-month high in December, the Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday.
February 5, 2013House Subcommittee Oversight Plan Includes CSA, Hours of Service
A House subcommittee on highways has targeted some of the top issues for the trucking industry in its oversight plan for the next two years, including the hours-of-service rule for truck drivers and the Compliance, Safety, Accountability ratings program.
February 5, 2013EPA Proposes Biofuel Mandate
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a cellulosic biofuel mandate that it said complies with a court ruling that overturned its previous methodology for the mandate.
February 4, 2013NTSB’s Hersman Reportedly a Top Candidate for Transportation Secretary
National Transportation Safety Board chief Deborah Hersman is a leading candidate to succeed Ray LaHood as transportation secretary, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
February 4, 2013Energy Secretary Chu Stepping Down
Energy Secretary Steven Chu is stepping down, following last week’s announcement that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is leaving the Obama administration.
February 4, 2013LaHood to Leave DOT
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who earned praise for focusing on distracted driving and criticism from trucking for appearing to promote biking and high-speed rail over freight issues, announced last week he was stepping down.
February 4, 2013Editorial: Investing in Infrastructure
It’s nice to hear from the new chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that he recognizes what dire straits the Highway Trust Fund is in and that he’s open to all suggestions as to how to fix it.
February 4, 2013All Options Are ‘on the Table’ for Road Fund, Shuster Says
The new chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said he remains open to any option that can increase the amount of federal funding available for highway projects, including the possibility of raising the federal fuel tax.
February 4, 2013Truck Stops Expanding Purchase Options at Fuel Islands to Speed Driver Transactions
Spurred by the demands of newer diesel engines, changing emissions technology and escalating competition, truck-stop operators say they have begun placing more fuels and other products where drivers can find them fast and buy them with a single swipe of a credit card.
February 4, 2013