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.
Proposed Rule Would Require Electric Vehicles to Make Noise
Electric vehicles, which have soundless engines, would need to make noises to let pedestrians know they are near, under a rule proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Bloomberg News reported.
January 9, 2013Illinois Cellphone Ban for Commercial Drivers Takes Effect
Commercial drivers in Illinois are banned from using hand held cellphones while driving, as of this month, the Illinois Department of Transportation said.
January 9, 2013Group of Small Carriers, Shippers, Brokers Blast CSA Safety Scoring
A group of shippers, brokers and small motor carriers told a federal court that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new carrier safety ratings are “confusing, ever-changing, mercurial and capricious in their effects on carriers.”
Michigan Approves Anti-Indemnification Law
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) has approved a law that prevents trucking companies from being held responsible for accidents, negligence or other damage that is a shipper’s fault.
Tax Deal Keeps Bonus Depreciation
Lost amid the hoopla surrounding Congress’ last-minute agreement on avoiding the economic “fiscal cliff” as the new year dawned was a provision in the deal that could help the trucking industry as it moves to replace aging equipment during 2013.
January 7, 2013Dealers See ‘Cliff’ Deal as Fix for Slumping Used Truck Sales
Used-truck sales slumped in late 2012, but last week’s “fiscal cliff” agreement created hope that a catch-up effect could buoy sales, industry officials said.
January 7, 2013Jackson Stepping Down as EPA Administrator
Lisa Jackson will step down soon as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency after four years that included the development of the first greenhouse-gas standards for heavy-duty trucks.
January 7, 2013ISM Services Index Rises to 10-Month High, Factory Orders Flat
An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector increased in December to a 10-month high, the Institute for Supply Management said Friday.
January 4, 2013Tax Bill Includes Bonus Depreciation
The tax bill signed by President Obama and passed by Congress to keep the nation from going over a “fiscal cliff” allows fleets to deduct 50% of the cost of new trucks and other equipment in 2013.
Congress Kicks off Session
The 113th session of the U.S. Congress started at noon Thursday, with party dynamics staying unchanged from the last session, and some new leadership in transportation-related committees.