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.
DOT Issues Compliance Notice Cautioning Truck Drivers About CBD Products
The Department of Transportation has issued a compliance notice warning truck drivers and other safety-sensitive transportation workers about the potential mislabeling of hemp-derived products that could contain illegal levels of marijuana that might test positive in a DOT drug test.
Veteran CEO Says Global Shipping’s ‘Perfect Storm’ to Pass
The global shipping industry has run into very rough waters in 2020 as the virus crisis that has engulfed China and roiled commodity markets added to headwinds from a seasonal slowdown and poor weather. One chief executive who oversees a fleet of 55 vessels says there’ll be a comeback.
Cuomo Blasts US ‘Extortion’ for Delay on NYC Congestion Fees
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said a program charging motorists congestion-pricing fees to enter Manhattan may be delayed indefinitely because the federal government has been slow to approve it.
Canadian Minister Sees Progress on Rail Blockades
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public safety minister said police are withdrawing from the First Nation protest site at heart of demonstrations that have paralyzed Canada’s railways.
Top Congressional Republicans Press for Action on Highway Bill
Congress resumes its legislative agenda amid recent calls from Republican leaders on the transportation committees for passage of a highway bill meant to update a law expiring in seven months.
Officials: Progress Continues on ELD Enforcement, Proposed HOS Changes
LAS VEGAS — Enforcement of the federal electronic logging device mandate is progressing, and regulators are working to finalize a proposal to add flexibility to driver hours-of-service rules, government and industry officials said.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont Hits Pause on Trucks-Only Toll Vote
Gov. Ned Lamont has called for a pause on the vote for trucks-only tolls in Connecticut after repeated delays from lawmakers to convene for a vote.
FMCSA Mulls Petition to Ease Requirements for Deaf Truck Drivers
Federal trucking regulators are reviewing a petition filed by the National Association of the Deaf seeking to relax requirements for deaf truck and bus drivers.
North Dakota Regulators OK Dakota Access Pipeline Expansion
North Dakota regulators on Feb. 19 unanimously approved expanded capacity for the Dakota Access pipeline, saying they believed the project had met exhaustive state and federal requirements.
Virus Havoc Could Shut Down a Nissan Factory Half a World Away
Nissan Motor Co. is bracing for potential disruptions in plants as far away as the U.S. because the coronavirus epidemic in China is leading to a parts shortage and wreaking havoc across the supply chain, people familiar with the matter said.
February 19, 2020