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.
Safety in Numbers: NTSB's Jennifer Homendy
After Utah lowered the legal limit for blood-alcohol concentration in drivers to 0.05, the number of alcohol-related fatalities dropped by about 20% and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now recommending other states follow suit.
February 24, 2022Workforce Boards Offer Funds for Driver Training
A pair of Oregon trucking executives are on a mission to encourage motor carriers to follow their lead and join obscure local entities called workforce boards, which over the years have quietly distributed millions of dollars to train an array of skilled and unskilled workers, including truck drivers.
ATA, OOIDA Urge Buttigieg to Commit Funds to Truck Parking
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is being urged to prioritize infrastructure funds to boost the nation’s truck parking capacity.
TMC to Tackle Electrification in First Annual Meeting Since 2020
American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council plans to focus its annual meeting on electrifying performance in maintenance management.
3G Sunset Taking Some Devices Offline
Cellular service providers are shutting down their 3G networks this year, a shift that could impact legacy wireless systems that some fleets are still using, experts said.
US Slightly Revises Up its GDP Estimate for Q4 to 7%
The U.S. economy ended 2021 by expanding at a brisk 7% annual pace from October through December, the government reported Feb. 24 in a slight upgrade from its earlier estimate as businesses stepped up their restocking of supplies.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy Urges States to Lower Blood Alcohol Level to 0.5%
The head of the National Transportation Safety Board said states should follow the example set by Utah and reduce the blood alcohol content level permitted for drivers as a way of reducing drunken driving accidents and improving highway safety.
US Presents ‘Buy American’ Plan to Ease Supply Chain Squeeze
The Biden administration announced several new actions Feb. 24 intended to ease supply chain disruptions that have plagued the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Initial Jobless Claims Fell Last Week by More Than Forecast
Applications for U.S. state unemployment insurance fell last week by more than forecast, continuing an overall downward trend as the labor market recovery continues.
Spartan, Uhnder Partner to Offer Next-Gen Radar Tech for Automated Trucks
Sensor technology suppliers Spartan Radar and Uhnder Inc. have formed a partnership to develop improved sensing capabilities for advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving technology for commercial trucks.
February 24, 2022