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 Field Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes
A Buffalo, N.Y.-based Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration field office supervisor has pleaded guilty to accepting more than $41,000 in bribes to provide “inside information” and to ensure that some Canadian motor carriers received satisfactory safety ratings on FMCSA audits and inspections, according to court documents.
Oregon Legislature Sends Bill on Idling Limits to Governor
The Oregon legislature approved a measure that would restrict truck idling while also preventing local governments from implementing their own anti-idling regulations. Under the legislation, trucks would not be allowed to idle their engines for more than five minutes in a 60-minute period.
EU to Hit Truckers with Pollution, Noise Surcharges
Citing a need to reduce emissions and delays on its highways, the European Union will let member nations to charge trucks for air pollution and noise, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.
June 7, 2011Insurers Applaud EOBRs, Demur on Premium Cuts
Insurance executives said they strongly support electronic logging but that use of the devices by truckers will not automatically lower fleets’ coverage expenses because carriers’ overall safety records dictate rates.
June 6, 2011ISM Services Index Climbs
The U.S. economy’s service sector expanded more than forecast in May, alleviating some concern the economy is faltering, the Institute for Supply Management said Friday.
June 3, 2011Obama Picks Former Utility Executive to Head Commerce Dept.
President Barack Obama named former California utility executive John Bryson as his choice for commerce secretary, drawing on Bryson’s business expertise for a job that is central to the administration’s goal of doubling U.S. exports, Bloomberg reported.
June 1, 2011Ambassador Bridge Truck Traffic Slips in April
Truck traffic crossing the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, slipped 1% in April from a year ago, the company that runs the bridge said Wednesday.
June 1, 2011ISM Manufacturing Index Drops in May
U.S. manufacturing activity declined in May from April, the Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday.
June 1, 2011NAFTA Surface Trade Tops $80 Billion for First Time
Surface transportation trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico jumped 15.6% in March from a year ago, topping $80 billion for the first time on record, the Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
May 31, 2011Freight Network, Spending Plan Contained in Transportation Bill
A bipartisan transportation reauthorization bill being prepared by four key United States senators would map out a national network of freight corridors and dedicate a percentage of Highway Trust Fund dollars to road projects within that network, a Senate staff member said.
