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.
Third-Quarter GDP Revised Downward to 2.2% from 2.8%
The U.S. economy expanded at a lower rate than previously reported in the third quarter, growing at a 2.2% annual rate versus the 2.8% reported last month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.
December 22, 2009TTNews.com Closed Monday
Due to the weekend snow storm in the Mid-Atlantic, Transport Topics Online will be closed on Monday, Dec. 21. Please check back later this week for the latest trucking and freight transportation news.
December 21, 2009Recession, White House Made for Year of Challenges
Trucking fleets focused on survival in 2009 as freight haulers battled a widespread economic downturn and confronted the prospect of significant new safety and environmental regulations from the Obama administration.
December 21, 2009States Face Budget Crunch as UCR Fees Still Up in Air
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has yet to announce the final fees for its Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, leaving states in financial limbo and some wondering if the program should be scrapped.
December 21, 2009Biodiesel Producers Could Halt Operations if $1 a Gallon Tax Credit Is Not Extended
Biodiesel producers are threatening to shut down their operations if the Senate does not approve a bill that would extend the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit due to expire on Dec. 31.
December 21, 2009Congress Adds Road Funds
In a flurry of activity before its holiday recess, Congress approved more than $40 billion in new highway spending for 2010, moved toward adding another $27 billion, approved a truck-weight exemption and quietly dropped a prohibition on a federal pilot program allowing trucking across the U.S.-Mexico border.
December 21, 2009Calif. Ports Worry New Rules Could Lead to Fewer Trucks
Beginning Jan. 1, officials at the Southern California sister ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will face yet another challenge as they begin the second phase of their clean trucks plans: fewer trucks.
December 21, 2009Senate Committee Approves Rail Legislation Aimed at Increasing Competition on Rates
The Senate Commerce Committee, in a bid to foster more rail competition, unanimously approved the first comprehensive rail policy legislation changes in nearly three decades on Dec. 17.
December 21, 2009DOT to Publish Regulation to Ban Texting by Truckers in Near Future, LaHood Says
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said work on a regulation that would ban texting by commercial drivers will be finished in the near future.
December 21, 2009Diesel Declines 2.4¢ to $2.748, But Is 32.6¢ Above Year Ago
U.S. retail diesel prices dipped for the sixth straight week as the national average declined 2.4 cents to $2.748 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported.
December 21, 2009