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.
White House Announces 54.5 MPG Standards for Cars, Light-Duty Trucks by 2025
The White House announced new standards today, to increase fuel efficiency to 54.5 miles per gallon for cars and light-duty trucks by 2025.
August 28, 2012Transportation Bill Loaded with Safety Initiatives, FMCSA Says
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The highway bill passed earlier this summer directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to complete 29 new rulemakings over the next 27 months, including a requirement for a final electronic logging device rule by October of 2013, agency officials said Monday.
Opinion: Competing in a Difficult Economy
Many carriers, beset by both the weak economy and pricing competition from brokers and third-party logistics providers, are seeking new ways to win, keep and better serve customers. Business lines such as home delivery, warehousing and alternative mail are adding to — or replacing — revenues cut by the economy and the competition.
August 27, 2012FMCSA Sets Changes to CSA Program
Many of the changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s safety ratings program announced earlier this year will be implemented in December, administrator Anne Ferro said Friday.
DOT Launches New Freight Policy Council
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood launched the Freight Policy Council, a group tasked with generating a national freight policy, as called for in the new highway funding law.
Utah Trucking Assn. Names New Executive Director
The Utah Trucking Association has selected former Utah Department of Transportation official Rick Clasby to be its new executive director.
August 24, 2012W.Va. Commission to Study Highways, Including New Options for Funding
West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has formed a blue-ribbon commission to study the state’s highway needs and come up with recommendations that include funding methods.
August 21, 2012FMCSA Launches Facebook Page
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched a Facebook page which the agency said will increase transparency and public awareness of its safety programs, encourage collaboration and stimulate innovation.
August 20, 2012Letter: Big Brother Is Here
I feel like I’m the only truck operator who believes the feds are trying to control every facet of my life. It’s not just that electronic onboard recorders or EOBRs or whatever you call them are an intrusive invasion into my company and our drivers’ lives.
August 20, 2012Out-of-Service Rates 2nd-Lowest on Record at Roadcheck 2012 Event, CVSA Reports
Out-of-service rates both for drivers and for vehicles inspected during this year’s Roadcheck were the second lowest in the 25-year history of the safety event, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said last week.
August 20, 2012