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.

Government, Business, Safety

New Mexico Considering Idling Regs

The New Mexico Department of Environment is considering limiting the amount of time long-haul truckers can leave their vehicles idling at truck stops, the Associated Press reported.

January 7, 2008
Business, Government

GM Eyes Growth Outside of U.S.

General Motors Corp. is likely to get as much as 75% of its car and truck sales from outside the Untied States within a decade, Bloomberg reported Monday.

January 7, 2008
Government, Business

Storms Hammer West Coast, Closing Some Roads

The West Coast was hit by a huge storm Friday that dumped more than 5 inches of rain in some parts of California and feet of snow elsewhere, temporarily closing some major roadways, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

January 7, 2008
Government, Business, Safety

IRS Assesses FedEx $319 Mln. in Driver Classification Dispute

The IRS struck another blow to FedEx Ground’s independent contractor business model, assessing the package delivery company back taxes and penalties of $319 million for 2002 after an audit determined that company drivers should have been classified as employees.

January 7, 2008
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

Diesel Average Increases 3.7¢; Crude Briefly Tops $100

The average price of diesel fuel rose 3.7 cents to $3.345 a gallon last week while the price of crude oil pushed past $100 a barrel for the first time, which analysts said would soon lead to higher fuel prices.

January 7, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

Dorgan Blasts DOT Over Cross-Border Trucking

One of the most vocal congressional critics of a plan to grant Mexican trucks access to U.S. highways as part of a yearlong pilot project blasted the Department of Transportation in a letter, accusing DOT of ignoring Congressional intent in continuing the test.

January 4, 2008
Business, Government, Fuel

Oil Tops $100 Before Receding

Crude oil prices topped $100 Thursday before receding to close at $99.18 a barrel, short of Wednesday’s closing-price record, Bloomberg reported.

January 3, 2008
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

ATRI, FMCSA Co-Hosting Online Safety Forum Tuesday

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the American Transportation Research Institute will co-host the latest in a series of national online forums that provide peer-to-peer industry insights on safety technologies on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

January 3, 2008
Government

Factory Orders Rise 1.5% in November

U.S. factory orders rose 1.5% in November, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

January 3, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

Texas Transportation Commissioner Williamson Dies

Texas Transportation Commission Chairman and former longtime state lawmaker Ric Williamson died Sunday of an apparent heart attack, the Associated Press reported. He was 55.

January 3, 2008