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.
Ports ‘Soft Launch’ Truck Plan with O-O Ban Still Unsettled
The California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach formally launched their clean-trucks programs last week without any apparent major glitches, although activity at some terminals was initially reported to be lighter than usual, with fewer trucks showing up at the gates.
October 6, 2008Investors Drop Pa. Turnpike Bid, Citing Opposition, Market Woes
The investment group that sought to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike has withdrawn its bid, citing political opposition and uncertain financial markets, and leaving the state without a solution to its infrastructure funding problems.
October 6, 2008Diesel Price Decline Pauses
The average price of retail diesel fuel rose 0.1 cent last week to $3.959, following 10 straight weeks of declines, according to the De-partment of Energy.
October 6, 2008ISM Services Index Declines in September
The U.S. economy’s service sector declined but showed expanded in September, the Institute for Supply Management said Friday.
October 3, 2008U.S. Auto Sales Plunge in September
Automakers saw their U.S. sales plunge in September as credit tightened and the economy remained sluggish, Bloomberg reported.
October 2, 2008August Factory Orders Plunge 4%
Factory orders fell 4% in August, the most in almost two years, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
October 2, 2008Letters to the Editor: Packaging, N.J. Turnpike, Relief Disaster, Seat-Belt Cameras, Trucking’s Cost
In this country and this economy, I, too, believe there’s a lot of unused space moving up and down our highways, creating inefficiencies.
October 2, 2008Port Trucking Rules Take Effect in L.A., Long Beach
Authorities at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., are beginning enforcement Wednesday of new regulations banning pre-1989 model trucks from operating at the ports, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported.
October 1, 2008GAO Says Half of Workers Have Not Applied for TWIC
Nearly a year into the application process, more than half of the estimated 1.2 million U.S. transportation workers have not applied for their Transportation Worker Identification Credential that, beginning April 15, 2009, will be required to gain entrance to all the nation’s ports and other transportation facilities.
October 1, 2008Kelly Nominated to Head NHTSA
The Bush administration has nominated David Kelly to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Associated Press reported.
October 1, 2008