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.
Personal Spending Rises After Six-Month Decline
Consumer personal spending rose in January for the first time in seven months, the Commerce Department said Monday.
March 3, 2009TransCore Launches Web Site for Trucking Companies
Transportation technology firm TransCore said Monday that it has launched a customer support and information Web site catered to trucking companies using Class 8 trucks.
March 3, 2009ATA Unveils New Trailer From GE
American Trucking Associations said last week it was unveiling a new trailer for use in its image and outreach programs.
March 2, 2009ATA Leaders Call on Capitol
WASHINGTON — American Trucking Associations members gathered here last week to build support within Congress and the Obama administration on issues ranging from highway financing to potential union-organizing legislation.
March 2, 2009LaHood Rejects Fuel Tax Hike After Urging Funding Creativity
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said federal officials should explore all options to finance infrastructure, but he later strongly rejected a fuel tax increase, at least while the economy is in recession.
March 2, 2009Class 8 Truck Fleet Grew in 4Q Following 1st Decline, Polk Says
The number of Class 8 trucks operating in the United States increased by 60,000 at the end of the fourth quarter from a year earlier, reversing the first-ever decline of 17,000 that research firm R.L. Polk & Co. reported at the end of the third quarter.
March 2, 2009Carriers Cut Costs With Specialized Tires
As the needs of trucking companies become more specialized, so do the tires they are running. Over the past decade, available tire options have increased, meaning fleets can choose the tires best suited for their specific applications.
March 2, 2009Obama’s Call for Cap-and-Trade a Concern for ATA Chairman
President Obama called on Congress to approve legislation creating a cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Obama spoke on Feb. 24 to Congress in a joint session and invited spectators, who included the chairman of American Trucking Associations.
March 2, 2009FedEx’s Smith Calls for More Development of Electric Vehicles in Regional Shipments
WASHINGTON — Passenger cars and even some trucks moving short distances in the United States need to switch to electric battery power from gasoline or diesel, FedEx Corp. founder Frederick Smith told the National Press Club here Feb. 23.
March 2, 2009So. Calif. Ports Reduce Rail Container Fees in Attempt to Help Firms Weather Downturn
Concerned about losing market share to other West Coast ports, harbor commissioners with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have voted to cut their rail container fees by 10%.
March 2, 2009