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, Safety, Government, Equipment

Fleet Size Rises 1% in 2Q, Report Says

The number of Class 8 vehicles operating in the United States totaled 3.641 million units in the second quarter, an increase of less than 1% over the same quarter in 2008, transportation research firm R.L. Polk & Co. said.

August 24, 2009
Business, Government, Safety

20% Decline in 2009 U.S. Container Traffic Forces Terminals, Ocean Carriers to Adjust

With total U.S. container import traffic down more than 20% in the first half of 2009 compared with a year ago, all pieces of the supply chain are feeling the pain of the recession.

August 24, 2009
Business, Government, Equipment, Technology, Safety

Eaton Gets $45 Million Grant to Provide Plug-in Hybrid Systems for Class 5 Trucks

Truck component maker Eaton Corp. said that it would provide the electric power systems for 378 Class 5 electric hybrid plug-in vehicles under a federal grant, which it called the “largest commercial hybrid deployment” ever.

August 24, 2009
Business, Government, Safety, Fuel

Biodiesel Production to Drop by 50%, Analysts Predict

U.S. biodiesel production has been rocketing upward in each of the past 10 years and reached 690 million gallons last year, but industry officials and analysts said it would drop this year by half to 350 million gallons or as low as 250 million gallons.

August 24, 2009
Business, Government, Safety, Fuel

Key Ports Appeal to Congress for Power to Regulate Trucks

The battle over how to best accomplish clean-truck programs for drayage fleets has moved from California ports and courtrooms to the halls of Congress.

August 24, 2009
Business, Government, Safety, Logistics

Friendships Grow as NTDC Gets Under Way

PITTSBURGH — Day-to-day on the job, driving a truck is a mostly solitary occupation, which explains in part why the National Truck Driving Championships attract so many repeat contestants, coming back year after year to rub shoulders with other top drivers from around the country, as well as to carry on their quest for a trophy.

August 24, 2009
Business, Fuel, Government

Diesel Price Rises 2.7¢ to $2.652 in Fourth Consecutive Increase

Diesel prices rose for a fourth straight week, gaining 2.7 cents to its highest price in nine months, $2.652 a gallon, the Department of Energy said Aug. 17.

August 24, 2009
Business, Fuel, Government

Oil Prices Hit Year’s High

Oil prices reached their highest level this year Friday as rising equity markets fueled speculation that the world economy is improving, Bloomberg reported.

August 21, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Intermodal, Rail Traffic Drop for Week

Intermodal rail traffic in the United States fell 18.4% last week compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads said.

August 21, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Obama to Nominate PHMSA Administrator

President Obama will nominate Cynthia Quarterman to oversee the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration within the Department of Transportation, the White House said.

August 20, 2009