Government

About Government News...

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.

Business, Government

Small Fleets, Owner-Operators Still Struggle

Owner-operators and small fleets haven’t seen any sign of a freight demand or price recovery, but those who survived said they have done it through hard work, perseverance and bold decisions such as expanding a fleet even as the recession hit.

September 14, 2009
Business, Government

DOT Report on Safety of Mexican Trucks Says Out-of-Service Rates Similar to U.S.

A review of U.S. efforts to ensure the safety of Mexican trucks crossing the border said the trucks’ out-of-service rates were similar to those of U.S. trucks, but it raised concerns about how traffic violations by Mexican drivers are reported and data on Mexican carriers are maintained.

September 14, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Economy, Environment Focus of CSCMP at Annual Global Conference in Chicago

Global economic and environmental challenges, upgrading transportation infrastructure and improving business performance are some of the major issues on the agenda at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ annual conference Sept. 20-23 in Chicago.

September 14, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

DOT Provides Software to Transfer Freight Data

The Department of Transportation is distributing free software the agency said will help create a central Web portal through which shippers, carriers and third parties can automatically exchange data about freight movements.

September 14, 2009
Business, Fuel, Government

Diesel Average Dips 2.7¢

The average retail price of U.S. diesel dipped 2.7 cents to $2.647 a gallon, breaking a string of six small weekly increases that began in mid-July, the U.S. Department of Energy reported.

September 14, 2009
Business, Government, Safety

Highway Bill Prospects Are Dim As Congress Returns to Session

When Congress went back into session last week, the prospects for passing a long-term highway bill appeared to be dimming as other issues continued to dominate the legislative agenda.

September 14, 2009
Business, Government, Safety, Equipment

Obama Faces Sept. 17 Deadline for Tariffs on Small Vehicle Tires Imported From China

President Obama must decide by Sept. 17 whether to accept the recommendation of the U.S. International Trade Commission to impose tariffs on passenger and light-truck tires made in China, the second-largest U.S. trading partner.

September 14, 2009
Business, Government

Wholesale Inventories Fall for Record Eleventh Month

Wholesale inventories fell in July for the eleventh consecutive month, the Commerce Department said Friday.

September 11, 2009
Business, Government

Consumer Confidence Rises in September

U.S. consumer confidence rose in September as job losses slowed and the economy showed signs of improvement, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

September 11, 2009
Business, Government

Import Prices Rise 2%

The price of goods imported to the United States climbed 2% in August, the fifth increase in six months, the Labor Department said Friday.

September 11, 2009