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.
NAFTA Surface Trade Rises 8.2% in April
Surface trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico rose 8.2% in April from a year ago, the Department of Transportation reported.
June 26, 2012Virginia I-95 Toll Plan Would Feature One Location North of N.C.
The portion of Interstate 95 running through Virginia would have one tolling location — near the North Carolina state line — under a plan Virginia is preparing for the federal government.
Minnesota Truck Crashes, Fatalities Drop
Crashes involving trucks in Minnesota declined 4% in 2011 compared with 2010 and the number of fatalities dropped 45%, according to the latest annual truck crash report released this month by the state’s Department of Public Safety.
FMCSA Removes 287 Drivers in Drug and Alcohol Investigation
A federal investigation into drug and alcohol safety records resulted in 287 commercial truck and bus drivers being removed from the roads, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said.
Virginia E-ZPass Fee Plan Draws Opposition
A plan by the Virginia Department of Transportation to implement a $1 monthly fee for E-ZPass users has drawn public opposition, the Associated Press reported.
June 25, 2012Letters: CSA Scores, Trucking & Racism
In connection with recent requests by American Trucking Associations and others to release the detailed study information used to develop the Compliance, Safety, Accountability scoring system for carriers, I have come across an that should be interesting for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — creator of the CSA program — to explain.
June 25, 2012Michigan, Canada Agree on Second Detroit Bridge After Governor Bypasses State Legislature
Michigan and Canada have signed an agreement to construct the long-awaited second bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, bypassing the Michigan Legislature, which has for years blocked the project.
June 25, 2012TSA to Allow Truckers to Extend TWIC Cards by Three Years at Lower Cost Due to Delays
Truckers and maritime workers soon will be allowed to extend their expiring Transportation Worker Identification Credential cards by three years at a reduced price because federal officials are facing delays in deploying biometric card readers.
June 25, 2012FedEx’s Quarterly Profits Rise to $634 Mln.On Strong Performance of LTL Division
FedEx Corp. said its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, excluding a charge for aircraft retirements, rose to $634 million, helped by a 93% increase in operating income at the FedEx Freight segment.
June 25, 2012Road Bill Battle Continues as Funding Deadline Nears
Days before all federally funded transportation projects could be forced to shut down, House and Senate negotiators were trying late last week to come up with a long-term reauthorization bill or another temporary extension.
June 25, 2012