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.
Elon Musk to Join Twitter’s Board
Elon Musk is joining Twitter’s board of directors a day after disclosing that the Tesla CEO took a 9% stake in the social media platform.
At White House, Biden Touts Trucking’s Workforce Program
WASHINGTON — Standing alongside three Class 8 trucks parked outside the White House, President Joe Biden described a federal apprenticeship program designed to accelerate commercial driver license training as a “key ingredient” to boosting recruitment efforts in trucking.
FMCSA Sets April 8 Deadline for Women of Trucking Advisory Board
Applicants are being sought to serve two-year terms on the new Women of Trucking Advisory Board of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to promote the role of women in trucking careers.
CVSA Seeks Mileage, Time Limits for Personal Conveyance Guidance
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has petitioned federal trucking regulators to add a maximum time and/or mileage limit to clarify the definition of personal conveyance use by commercial truck drivers.
Russia War Could Further Escalate Auto Prices, Shortages
DETROIT — BMW has halted production at two German factories. Mercedes is slowing work at its assembly plants. Volkswagen, warning of production stoppages, is looking for alternative sources for parts.
Werner Exempt From New Driver Training Requirement
Federal trucking regulators have granted Werner Enterprises Inc. an exemption to allow a commercial learner permit holder who has successfully passed a commercial driver license skills test to operate a commercial vehicle without having a CDL holder observing from the front passenger seat.
Panama Canal Proposes Toll Revamp
The Panama Canal Authority proposed a comprehensive restructuring of its toll system April 1 that would increase rates charged on cargo such as vehicles, oil and gas, and soybeans that cross the waterway as ocean shippers rake in record profits.
49 MPG Fuel-Economy Standard Ordered for Cars by 2026
The Biden administration ordered carmakers to increase their average fuel economy to about 49 mpg by 2026, in an ambitious effort to make up for progress stalled when President Donald Trump rolled back the efficiency program.
US Added 431,000 Jobs in March in Sign of Economic Health
America’s employers extended a streak of robust hiring in March, adding 431,000 jobs in a sign of the economy’s resilience in the face of a still-destructive pandemic and the highest inflation in 40 years.
Port Leaders Say They're Ready to Spend Infrastructure Funds
With the largest infusion of direct federal infrastructure spending set to begin, port leaders from around the country say they’re ready to begin rebuilding and upgrading their facilities to keep up with a record number of cargo containers moving through ports.