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.
California Approves Port Emissions Rules
California state regulators enacted strict air emission rules Friday that will ban much of the current fleet of diesel trucks from all ports statewide, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.
December 10, 2007Mexican Trucks in Cross-Border Program Now Top 55, Paper Says
At least 55 Mexican trucks have received approval to make deliveries anywhere within the United States under the Transportation Department’s pilot program, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
December 10, 2007Hours-of-Service Hearing Postponed
A Senate panel postponed a hearing on truck driver hours-of-service rules that was scheduled for Wednesday.
December 10, 2007Opinion: Dealing With California’s Reefer Rules
The California Air Resources Board is recommending that truckers with transport refrigeration units, also known as reefers, pay attention to upcoming deadlines to avoid penalties.
December 10, 2007SDA Unveils EyStar Pocket-Size GPS Unit
Secured Digital Applications, a provider of asset-tracking services, has unveiled its new pocket-size Bluetooth Global Positioning System receiver, saying it offers a cheaper alternative to comparable vehicle-mounted systems.
December 10, 2007Gas Drops 9¢ to $3 a Gallon, Lundberg Says
The average price of regular gasoline fell by about 9 cents in the past three weeks, according to the latest Lundberg Survey of filling stations released Sunday.
December 10, 2007ATA to Defend Owner-Operator System
American Trucking Associations has launched a campaign to protect the trucking industry’s use of independent contractors, a move officials said is needed to counter recent court decisions and an increasingly “hostile” legislative environment.
December 10, 2007Storm Strikes Pacific Northwest
A storm with hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall swept across the Pacific Northwest early last week, snarling transportation in Washington and Oregon and flooding a crucial freight-carrying highway.
December 10, 2007Diesel Dips 2.8¢ to $3.416 a Gallon
The average price of retail diesel slipped below its record high last week, dipping 2.8 cents to $3.416 a gallon, the U.S. Department of Energy reported, citing a decline in demand for distillate fuels.
December 10, 2007Senate Blocks Energy Bill
Senate Republicans Friday blocked an energy bill that would have boosted taxes on oil and gas companies and raised fuel economy standards for most vehicles, Bloomberg reported.
December 7, 2007