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, Government, Business

Iowa Senate Approves 5% Biodiesel Mandate

The Iowa Senate approved a bill last week that would require that diesel fuel sold in the state contain 5% biofuel, the Des Moines Register reported.

April 20, 2009
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

California Begins Reefer Rule Reporting

The California Air Resources Board said it is now enforcing the identification and reporting requirements for California-based transport refrigeration units on trucks, trailers, shipping containers and rail cars assigned to terminals in the state.

April 20, 2009
Government, Business

Leading Economic Indicators Decline

An index of leading economic indicators declined 0.3% in March, the New York-based Conference Board said Monday.

April 20, 2009
Business, Government

Obama Meets With Mexican Leader

Standing beside Mexico President Felipe Calderon, U.S. President Obama said he was hopeful the two countries could agree on a cross-border trucking program that has spurred a growing trade dispute.

April 20, 2009
Government, Business, Fuel

Calif. Ports’ Dominance Wanes as Shippers Seek Alternatives

Rising costs for container fees, administrative expenses and environmental requirements in the midst of an economic downturn are causing shippers, importers and retailers to consider alternatives to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach for shipping their goods, according to trade association officials.

April 20, 2009
Business, Government

Privatized Toll Roads Offer Quick Fixes but Pose Long-Term Threats, Study Says

Privatizing toll roads may give cash-strapped states a quick budget fix, but such deals, especially for existing highways, “pose long-term threats to the public interest,” according to a new study by an advocacy group.

April 20, 2009
Business, Safety, Government

Most Sterling Dealers Signed Settlement Deals with Daimler Trucks, ATD Board Member Says

Most of the 300 Sterling Trucks dealers in the United States and Canada accepted settlement offers from Daimler Trucks North America after DTNA announced it would shut the brand down, the Sterling board member of the American Truck Dealers said April 9.

April 20, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

As Vehicle Sales Slump, Competition Heats Up

Common wisdom has long maintained that truck dealers make more money from parts and service than from new vehicle sales. But the economic reality today is challenging even that old maxim.

April 20, 2009
Government

YRC Seeks to Temporarily Fund Pensions with Real Estate Collateral Instead of Cash

YRC Worldwide Inc. said it is negotiating with the Teamsters union and its pension fund representatives to postpone cash payments into the plan and replace them with real estate collateral as part of the company’s ongoing effort to conserve cash.

April 20, 2009
Business, Government

Stimulus Funds Go Further as Road-Building Costs Drop

Competition among construction firms is sharply reducing the cost of infrastructure projects, allowing states to build and repair more roads and bridges than originally anticipated under the federal stimulus legislation, President Obama said last week.

April 20, 2009