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.
Short-Term Deal Reached on Funding Bill
Congressional leaders have agreed to another short-term funding measure and will extend negotiations on a fiscal 2024 budget through March.
SuperTruck II Innovations Could Help With Emissions Targets
LAS VEGAS — Aerodynamic innovations developed for the Peterbilt SuperTruck II could enter service sooner rather than later to help comply with forthcoming emissions regulations.
Cargo Processing in Texas Improved at Del Rio Land Port
Better processing of commercial vehicles by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Texas at the Del Rio Port of Entry is resulting from a small donated infrastructure project.
Port of Long Beach CEO Cordero Details Upcoming Projects
Port of Long Beach officials were upbeat about prospects for the facility even as its 2023 performance was down 12.2% year-over-year.
Panama Canal’s Drought Traffic Dip Could Cost $700 Million
PANAMA CITY — A severe drought that began last year has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36% in the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important trade routes.
January 18, 2024States Waive HOS for Fuel Deliveries Amid Severe Weather
Governors from several states have issued emergency proclamations waiving federal hours-of-service requirements for truckers carrying fuel, to prevent shortages in extreme weather.
Court Rejects VW’s Plan to Fix Engines With Software Update
Volkswagen AG lost another lawsuit in a German court over its software fix for engines in the wake of the diesel scandal that tarnished the reputation of Europe’s biggest carmaker.
FMCSA Weighs Carrier Fitness Determination Rewrite
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is reviewing six research papers as it weighs revision of its motor carrier safety fitness determination rules, the agency said.
Car Safety Systems Less Effective in Detecting Trucks
Better front crash prevention technology in passenger cars could prevent 5,500 rear-end accidents with medium and heavy trucks, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Shipping CEOs See No Short-Term End to Red Sea Disruptions
The CEOs of two leading freight carriers said they expect Red Sea threats to disrupt shipping for weeks or months longer.