Government

About Government News...

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.

Business, Government, Safety, Fuel

ATA Asks Lawmakers to Take Steps to Lower Fuel Prices

American Trucking Associations asked Congress to implement a comprehensive plan to address the soaring price of diesel fuel and ensures an affordable fuel supply for the nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers.

July 11, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

DOT Gives Wisconsin $1 Million to Repair Flood-Damaged Roads

The Department of Transportation said Friday it is making $1 million available immediately to Wisconsin to help pay for urgent repairs to roads and bridges damaged by recent floods.

July 11, 2008
Business, Government

Consumer Sentiment Index Remains Low

U.S. consumer confidence gained slightly but remained near a 28-year low this month, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.

July 11, 2008
Business, Government

Import Prices Rise 2.6% in June

The price of goods imported to the United States jumped 2.6% in June, the Labor Department said Friday.

July 11, 2008
Government

U.S. Trade Gap Narrows in May

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed by 1.2% in May, as a cheaper U.S. dollar spurred more exports, the Commerce Department said Friday.

July 11, 2008
Fuel, Business, Government

Trucking Executive Calls for Higher Weight Limits

Raising allowable truck weight limits by 21% would save carriers fuel, while reducing traffic and emissions, a trucking executive told Congress Wednesday.

July 10, 2008
Business, Government

FMCSA Cracking Down on Rogue Interstate Moving Companies

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said Wednesday it will continue to target rogue interstate moving companies that violate federal consumer protection and safety regulations.

July 9, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

Freight Transportation Index Rises in May

The Department of Transportation’s freight transportation services index for May rose 2.1% from a year ago, and showed a month-to-month gain, DOT said Wednesday.

July 9, 2008
Business, Government, Fuel, Safety

Bush Expected to Sign Bill Aimed at Reducing Ships’ Emissions

Cargo ships would have to reduce their emissions under federal legislation approved by Congress, which President Bush is expected to sign into law, the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper reported Wednesday.

July 9, 2008
Business, Government

Navistar Raises Prices on International Brand Trucks

Citing high commodity prices, Navistar International Corp. said late Tuesday it is raising prices on its International brand trucks, effective immediately.

July 9, 2008