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.
New Georgia Law Protects Truckers on Liability
As of this month, under a new Georgia law carriers in that state can no longer be forced to accept unwarranted insurance liability in order to get a special permit.
Kansas City Southern’s 2Q Profit Improves
Kansas City Southern said it earned $34.6 million, or 34 cents a share, in its second quarter, compared with $6.5 million, or 7 cents, the previous year.
July 27, 2010Consumer Confidence Falls in July to 5-Month Low
Consumer confidence declined this month to its lowest level in five months, the New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday.
July 27, 2010FMCSA Sends HOS Proposal to White House
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sent its proposal for a new hours-of-service rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review Monday, meeting the first of its court-appointed deadlines for issuing the rule.
Longer Vehicles; Road, Bridge Names; Seat Belts
The July 12 issue of Transport Topics reported on the recently passed resolution of the Western Governors’ Association that calls on Congress to allow for longer combination vehicle pilot programs: “Western Governors Back New Pilot Programs to Study Effects of Longer Trailer Combinations.”
July 26, 2010HOS Cuts Seen Forcing Supply Chain Changes
Shippers said potential cuts in driving time and total work hours sought by the opponents of the current hours-of-service rule could force costly changes in the supply chain and further tighten capacity.
July 26, 2010Obama Signs Financial Reform Legislation that Aims to Curb Speculation in Oil, Fuel
President Obama signed into law a financial reform bill that includes provisions aimed at reducing speculative trading in commodities such as crude oil and diesel fuel and limiting the fees that credit-card companies can charge merchants for their services.
July 26, 2010Leading Economic Indicators Drop 0.2%
An index of leading economic indicators fell 0.2% in June, the second drop in three months, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.
July 22, 2010I-5 ‘Corridor Toll’ Proposed for Columbia River Crossing
The mayor of Vancouver, Wash., has proposed using a “corridor toll” on Interstate 5 that would require motorists to help pay for the Columbia River Crossing, a project replacing the existing bridge and most recently estimated to cost $3.6 billion.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Tolls to Rise in January
Truckers without E-ZPass will pay about 10% more than they do today to run the Pennsylvania Turnpike under a new rate schedule scheduled to take effect in January.