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.
Air Cargo Shipments Rise 2.1% in January
Air cargo shipments rose 2.1% in January from a year earlier, with about an even split in gains in domestic and international shipments, the Air Transport Association said.
March 7, 2007Security & Safety Briefs — March 1 - March 7
Arkansas Seat Belt Law Gains Support • Train Accidents Decline for Second Year, DOT Says
March 7, 2007Editorial: Opening the U.S.-Mexico Border
The Department of Transportation’s move to conduct a broad test of opening the U.S.-Mexican border to truck traffic is a prudent step toward honoring mutual commitments made by both nations when the North American Free Trade Agreement was ratified.
March 7, 2007Washington State Court Backs Drivers’ Overtime
In a 5-4 opinion, the Washington State Supreme Court has interpreted a state overtime provision to apply to interstate truck drivers who work in excess of 40 hours in a week, regardless of whether a portion of those working hours take place outside of the state.
March 7, 2007DOT Shows Interest in Study of Heavier Trucks’ Effect on Highways
OTAY MESA, Calif. — U.S. Department of Transportation officials said they would be interested in a potential study of larger or heavier trucks, suggested recently by the chairman of the House transportation committee.
DHS Says Security Won’t Lessen When Trucks Enter From Mexico
EL PASO, Texas — The Transportation Department’s pilot project allowing a limited number of Mexican carriers to access U.S. highways would not diminish security at the border, Michael Jackson, deputy secretary of Homeland Security, said at a Feb. 23 press conference.
Sen. Murray Sets Hearing on Border Plan
WASHINGTON — Advocacy groups and congressional leaders, citing safety concerns, questioned the Department of Transportation’s decision to allow Mexican trucks into the United States, and a key senator said she would hold a hearing on the issue.
March 7, 2007Idaho Eyes Fees on Out-of-State Truckers
Two Idaho state senators want to raise an additional $57 million per year — largely from out-of-state truckers — to build and repair state roads, the Associated Press reported.
March 6, 2007UPS Teams with Commerce Dept. to Promote U.S. Exports
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Tuesday a new initiative with UPS Inc. to boost exports from U.S.-based small- and medium-sized enterprises.
March 6, 2007Diesel Jumps 7.5 Cents to $2.626; Gas Soars 12.2 Cents
The average national price of diesel fuel jumped 7.5 cents to $2.626 a gallon, while gasoline soared 12.2 cents from last week to $2.505, the Department of Energy said Monday.
March 6, 2007