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.
USDOT IG Nominee Eric Soskin Affirms Investigative Role
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation’s internal watchdog division told senators that if confirmed he would pursue investigations without bias.
CVTA: Driver Learner Permit, CDL Testing Delays Persist
More than one-third of state driver’s license agencies continue to face moderate to significant delays in conducting commercial learner permit knowledge tests, commercial driver license skills tests or actual issuance of the physical learner permits, according to a new survey by the Commercial Vehicle Training Association.
Driver-Assist Technologies Touted at FMCSA Truck Safety Summit
The importance of hiring skilled drivers, the prospects for success with hair-based drug tests, the critical need for infrastructure funding and the promise of technology — especially as it relates to onboard vehicle systems — were among subjects discussed at an all-day Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Aug. 5 truck safety summit.
USPS Election Role Becomes Flashpoint in Stimulus Talks
House Democrats want to throw a financial lifeline to the struggling U.S. Postal Service amid concerns that mail delays could lead to hundreds of thousands of legitimate votes being thrown out, potentially skewing the election. Senate Republicans say the money isn’t needed.
White House, Democrats Locked in Standoff as Deal Deadline Looms
The White House and congressional Democrats are locked in a standoff over the size and breadth of a new virus relief package, with their self-imposed Aug. 7 deadline for a deal looming.
August 6, 2020US Jobless Claims Fall More Than Forecast to Pandemic Low
U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week to the lowest since the pandemic started, in a broad decline across nearly all states, suggesting the labor market is improving.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Takes Reins of Governors Association
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo emphasized the importance of recovery and revival as he accepted the role of chairman of the National Governors Association.
Carriers Must Prepare as Deadline Nears for Chinese Technology Ban, Experts Say
With an Aug. 13 deadline approaching fast, motor carriers who do business with the federal government must soon launch an inquiry to locate and purge telecommunications equipment manufactured by five Chinese companies that may be in use in their operations.
East Coast Ports Continue to Assess Damage From COVID-19
The nation’s East Coast ports continued to be battered by lower imports from overseas in June because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
US Job Losses to Mount With Small Firms Running on Fumes
The clock is ticking for Bonnie Morales and the acclaimed restaurant she opened a few years ago in Portland, Ore. She’s among thousands of U.S. small-business owners who are considering layoffs in coming months as they plow through government aid.