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.
FMCSA to Hold EOBR Listening Session at MATS
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hear public comments at the Mid-America Trucking Show next month about the potential that drivers using electronic onboard recorders could be harassed by the carriers they drive for.
FMCSA Says Mexican Truck Program Meets Legal Guidelines
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has taken careful steps to ensure its cross-border program allowing Mexican trucks complies with federal law and that the trucks and drivers in the program are safe, the agency said in court filings last week.
Daimler, Foton to Begin China Truck Production in 3Q
Daimler AG and Beiqi Foton Motor Co.’s Chinese joint-venture will produce its first vehicle in the third quarter of this year, Daimler said.
February 21, 2012Maryland Gov. Wants to Apply 6% Sales Tax to All Fuel Purchases
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has sent the legislature his proposal for imposing the state’s 6% sales tax on all motor fuel purchases — a plan that based on today’s prices could add nearly $40 in taxes every time a trucker fills up.
Class 6-7 Vehicles Help For-Hire Fleets Diversify, Save, Squeeze Into Metro Areas
Class 8 tractors have long been the standard for U.S. for-hire carriers, yet for certain service lines, even the most venerable of heavy-duty fleets are now buying Class 6 and 7 trucks and sometimes even smaller cargo vans.
February 20, 2012Improved LTL Pricing Can Increase Profits, Beat 3PL Competition, Execs Tell Conference
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Less-than-truckload carriers need to improve their pricing discipline and sophistication to boost profits in a market where rate-driven, third-party logistics operators are playing a growing role, LTL executives said.
February 20, 2012Leading Indicators Rise in December
An index of leading economic indicators rose in December for a third straight month, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.
February 17, 2012Port of L.A. Container Volumes Rise in January
The Port of Los Angeles said Feb. 15 its import and export container volumes each rose more than 5% in January from a year ago.
February 16, 2012Producer Prices Rise 0.1%
UPS Acquires European Delivery Firm
UPS Inc. on Wednesday said it has acquired Kiala, a European company that provides delivery options to consumers purchasing goods over the Internet. Terms were not disclosed.
February 15, 2012