Government

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last week said it will not require the next generation of electronic onboard recorders to use a different type of computer connection than current models, or to operate in temperature extremes beyond the capability of existing systems.

Consumer confidence declined this month, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

The consumer price index rose by 0.3% for a second straight month in August, the Labor Department said Friday.

Manufacturing levels in the Philadelphia region showed contraction for the second consecutive month, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

Prices paid to U.S. producers rose for the second consecutive month in August, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Manufacturing activity in the New York region expanded in September at the lowest rate in more than a year, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Wednesday.

Container pick-up turn times for drayage operators at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are improving due to additional gate openings, increased staff and flex lunch hour shifts, motor carriers and terminal operators said Monday. 

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) is proceeding with privatization plans in two transportation areas, funding the system and building a new toll road.

The fine for texting or talking on a cell phone could become as high as $500 in New Jersey under a bill approved Monday by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Two groups pushing for liberalization of federal truck size and weight limits - the Coalition for Transportation Productivity and Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation  announced Monday that they will merge into one, larger organization.