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.
Chrysler, Fiat Set Partnership
In a matter of hours following a demand by the Obama administration, Chrysler LLC said Monday it has agreement to form a “global alliance” with Italian auto maker Fiat, news services reported.
March 30, 2009Opinion: Technology Aids Fleet, Dealer Service Relations
For as long as there has been a trucking industry, fleet equipment and maintenance executives have complained that dealer service operations bills are too high and fail to provide accurate and timely estimates and vehicle repairs.
March 30, 2009EPA Proposes Strict Ship Emissions Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency has asked that an emissions control area be created along the United States’ coastline to reduce what officials say are harmful emissions from ships.
March 30, 2009Reefer-Unit Manufacturers Roll Out New Hybrid Models
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The two largest North American manufacturers of trailer refrigerated units each introduced updated product lines with an emphasis on hybrid power at the Mid-America Trucking Show here.
March 30, 2009Letters: Card Check Bill; Trucking Growth; Rooftop Snow, Again
Passage of this legislation — the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as “card check” — would further erode American business competitiveness in the global marketplace.
March 30, 2009EPA Set to Classify Greenhouse Gas a Danger
The Environmental Protection Agency is poised to declare that greenhouse gas emissions endanger the public’s health and welfare — a move that could accelerate government rulemaking related to air quality.
March 30, 2009Foreign Firms Use MATS as Way to Enter U.S. Market
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Companies from China and Taiwan, including China’s largest truck manufacturer, formed the biggest foreign contingent at the Mid-America Trucking Show here for the second year in a row, seeing the show as a good way to enter the U.S. market.
March 30, 2009Senate Panel Criticizes DOT Secretary for Refusal to Consider Higher Fuel Tax
WASHINGTON — Members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee criticized Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the Obama administration for refusing to consider an increase in the federal fuel tax.
March 30, 2009U.S. to Resolve Truck Dispute, Clinton Tells Mexican Officials
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States is “working very hard to achieve a resolution” to a trade dispute that led to Mexico imposing tariffs on U.S. goods valued at more than $2 billion after President Obama signed a law ending a cross-border trucking plan.
March 30, 2009Court Ends Port Owner-Operator Ban
A federal appeals court has thrown out the Port of Los Angeles’ ban on owner-operators and questioned the legality of concession requirements at the adjacent Long Beach port for drayage operators to file financial statements and give hiring preferences to experienced port drivers.
March 30, 2009