Government

About Government News...

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.

Special Coverage, Business, Safety, Government

DOT Highway Plan Focuses on Safety, Freight Movement, FHWA Official Says

LAS VEGAS — The Department of Transportation’s plan to strengthen U.S. highways supports its “aggressive safety agenda” while allowing prioritization of projects to improve freight movement, a federal official said here Tuesday.

Michael G. Malloy | Web Editor
October 10, 2012
Government, Business

U.S. to Show Modest Growth in 2013, Economists Tell MCE

LAS VEGAS — If Congress and the president can avoid a “self-inflicted” recession early next year, the U.S. economy in general, and trucking specifically, will probably keep limping along with very modest growth in 2013, economists said here Tuesday at American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
October 10, 2012
Special Coverage, Government, Business

U.S. to Show Modest Growth in 2013, Economists Tell MCE

LAS VEGAS — If Congress and the president can avoid a “self-inflicted” recession early next year, the U.S. economy in general, and trucking specifically, will probably keep limping along with very modest growth in 2013, economists said here Tuesday at American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
October 9, 2012
Government

Maine Voters Asked to Approve Bonds Worth $51.5 Million, Some of It for Roads

Maine is asking voters to approve $51.5 million worth of bonds on the November ballot, with the bulk of the money designated for highways and bridges.

October 9, 2012
Government

CARB Publishes Reminder to Truckers About New Tire Requirements on Jan. 1

The California Air Resources Board recently issued a reminder to truckers that, as of Jan. 1 in that state, 2010 and older tractors that pull 53-foot dry van or refrigerated trailers must use SmartWay verified low-rolling-resistance  tires or retreads.

October 9, 2012
Business, Safety, Government

Interest Groups Relied on Faulty Arguments To Challenge HOS Provisions, ATA Asserts

A coalition of interest groups relied on faulty arguments that were often out of context and used little or no data in their objections to a recent truck driver hours-of-service rule that kept both the 11-hour workday and the 34-hour restart, American Trucking Associations told a federal court last week.

October 9, 2012
Special Coverage, Government

Barbour Sees Close, ‘Consequential’ Election in November

LAS VEGAS – Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said he could not predict the winner of the upcoming presidential election, but promised that it will be an extremely close – and important – contest.

October 9, 2012
Special Coverage, Business, Government, Equipment

Navistar Announces Hebe’s Retirement, Production Plans

Navistar International Corp. this week announced the retirement of well-known executive Jim Hebe, the appointment of new board members and outlined a plan for full production of trucks with Cummins ISX engines at the start of next year.

October 8, 2012
Letters to the Editor, Business, Safety, Government

Letters: 85 mph Road, Driver Shortage, Biofuels vs. Food

This is in reference to your Sept. 17 issue story about the proposed 85 mph speed limit for 41 miles of State Highway 130 in Texas (p. 3).

October 8, 2012
Government

FMCSA Mulls Fleet Credits For Informal CSA Inspections

PORTLAND, Maine — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration officials are exploring ways for motor carriers to begin getting credit for “good” inspector screenings and violation-free wireless inspections, a top agency official said.

October 8, 2012