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.

Fuel, Business, Logistics, Government

Diesel Falls 1.6¢ to $2.185

The national average price of diesel fuel fell for a third consecutive week, dropping 1.6 cents to $2.185, the Department of Energy said.

May 5, 2009
Business, Fuel, Government

Minn.’s 5% Biodiesel Mandate Takes Effect

Minnesota has implemented its requirement mandating that all diesel sold in the state contain at least 5% biodiesel, the Associated Press reported.

May 5, 2009
Government, Business

Construction Spending Increases 0.3%

Construction spending rose in March for the first time in six months, the Commerce Department said Monday.

May 4, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

EPA Faces Question on Ethanol’s Effects

The Environmental Protection Agency is close to proposing standards for ethanol use, but officials face a question on whether or not ethanol’s indirect effects on the environment should be considered in the rule-making process, the Associated Press reported Sunday.

May 4, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Xata Narrows Loss in 2Q

Transportation software firm Xata Corp. said Monday it lost $443,000, or 5 cents per share, in its fiscal second quarter, compared with a loss of $1.3 million, or 17 cents, a year ago.

May 4, 2009
Editorial, Business, Government, Safety

Port Plan Progress

The most onerous and misguided portions of the plan by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to reshape the trucking industry there have been enjoined by a federal court, at least for now.

May 4, 2009
Government, Business

Highway Bill to Focus on Policy Changes Rather Than Costs, Oberstar Predicts

WASHINGTON — With the expiration of the current highway authorization just five months away, leaders in the House and Senate said they were preparing to draft its replacement with an eye on major structural changes.

May 4, 2009
Government, Business

ArvinMeritor Opens Remanufacturing Plant for Mascot Truck Parts Division in Ontario

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — ArvinMeritor Inc. officially opened its new remanufacturing facility here for its Mascot Truck Parts division, the latest development in the company’s expanding presence in this niche of the truck equipment business.

May 4, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

Judge Blocks Calif. Owner-Operator Ban

A federal judge last week issued a preliminary injunction blocking many of the provisions in the clean trucks plans of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, including the controversial ban on independent drayage owner-operators at Los Angeles.

May 4, 2009
Business, Government, Safety

Refrigerated Fleets Stable as Other Sectors Struggle

The refrigerated sector of the trucking industry has been the only healthy activity for fleets in the current recession. Refrigerated truckload shipments grew slightly from last year, but dry vans, tankers and flatbeds all dropped substantially, industry executives and American Trucking Associations said.

May 4, 2009