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.
ISM Services Index Improves, But Still Shows Contraction
The U.S. economy’s service sector contracted in July for a second straight month, the Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday.
August 5, 2008Crude Oil Falls to $118 a Barrel
Oil prices continued to plunge Tuesday, falling more than $3 in early trading to $118 a barrel as a tropical storm did minimal damage in the Gulf of Mexico and speculation that slower economic growth will curb demand, Bloomberg reported.
August 5, 2008Volvo Offers Bendix Air Disc Brakes on Heavy Trucks
Volvo Trucks North America said Monday it is now offering Bendix heavy-duty air disc brakes on Volvo VN and VT model trucks.
August 4, 2008DOT To Extend Mexican Truck Program for 2 Years
The Department of Transportation said Monday it plans to continue a program to allow Mexican trucks into the United States for two years — just days after a House Committee passed a measure to end the program next month.
August 4, 2008Study Cites Alternative Fuels’ Role in Emissions Reduction
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies found the state’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions goal of 30% by 2025 to be feasible and said that alternative fuels, vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing vehicle miles traveled were central to reaching the goal, the Associated Press reported.
August 4, 2008Factory Orders Jump 1.7% in June
U.S. factory orders jumped 1.7% in June, led by gains in oil and chemicals, the Commerce Department said Monday.
August 4, 2008C.H. Robinson Worldwide Acquires Canadian Forwarder
Transportation and third-party logistics firm C.H. Robinson Worldwide said Monday it has acquired Transera International Holdings Ltd., a project forwarding company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
August 4, 2008Personal Spending Rises 0.6% in June; Prices Jump
Consumer personal spending rose 0.6% in June as prices soared, the Commerce Department said Monday.
August 4, 2008DOT Issues Transport Plan
Declaring the current system irrevocably “broken,” Transportation Secretary Mary Peters unveiled the Bush administration’s final major surface transportation policy initiative — a reform of the highway program that includes unlimited tolling and an increased emphasis on private capital.
August 4, 2008ATA Sues to Block Driver Plans at L.A. and Long Beach Ports
American Trucking Associations last week asked a federal court to block emission-reduction plans by the California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that include concessionaire requirements the group said “unlawfully re-regulated the federally de-regulated trucking industry.”
August 4, 2008