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.
Ryder to Cut 700 U.S. Jobs; Scale Back International Business
Ryder System will scale back its international business and cut 700 U.S. jobs while temporarily laying off 1,425 workers and focusing its operations on the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
December 19, 2008Snow, Ice Storm Hits Northern Regions
A big winter snow storm moved from the Northwest across the Midwest and on to the East Coast Friday after dumping more than two feet of snow in some areas, the Associated Press reported.
December 19, 2008Groups File with FMCSA Against Hours-of-Service Rules
A coalition of advocacy groups including Public Citizen and the Teamsters union has asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to reconsider key provisions of its controversial hours-of-service rule.
Rep. Ray LaHood Is Obama’s Choice for DOT Secretary
President-elect Barack Obama is set to name retiring Illinois Republican Rep. Ray LaHood as his transportation secretary, several news outlets reported.
Hub Group Downgrades 4Q Outlook
Third-party logistics company and freight broker Hub Group said its full-year 2008 earnings will be lower than previously estimated, due to sluggish intermodal and brokerage volumes and pricing.
December 18, 2008Leading Indicators Drop 0.4% in November
An index of leading economic indicators fell 0.4% in November, marking the fifth downturn in seven months, the New York-based Conference Board said Thursday.
December 18, 2008Philadelphia Fed Factory Index Remains in Contraction
Manufacturing levels in the Philadelphia region improved from a month ago but remained in contraction, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.
December 18, 2008FMCSA Sets Intermodal Chassis ‘Roadability’ Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Wednesday issued a new rule that it said will “significantly strengthen safety requirements” for intermodal container chassis.
December 17, 2008Opinion: Trucking and the New Administration
Election day has come and gone, and regardless of political persuasion, the optimist in each of us hopes President-elect Barack Obama’s administration heralds an uplifting and more positive era of government.
December 17, 2008Letters to the Editor: EOBR Mandate; Auto Bridge Loan; Broker Legislation; Medical Certificates
Onboard recording devices are the future. Successful use of these devices . . . does not eliminate cheating on the logs, in spite of anything Joan what’s-her-name thinks. Ask any driver [at a company that uses them].
December 17, 2008