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.
Eric Boyette Appointed Chief of North Carolina DOT
Eric Boyette will serve as the next secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Gov. Roy Cooper announced.
CEOs, Lawmakers Sound Alarm on Canadian Rail Protests
Escalating protests against a Canadian natural gas pipeline are putting shipments of grain, propane, lumber and consumer goods in jeopardy and prompting consternation among executives and lawmakers.
FMCSA Final Rule Calls for Reduced Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a final rule that continues to reduce commercial vehicle registration fees in 2020 and 2021, the agency announced Feb. 12.
Trump to Meet With Cuomo Over New York Trusted Traveler Ban
President Donald Trump will meet with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to discuss a potential compromise on the administration’s ban on state residents using programs that allow travelers to breeze through airport passport and customs checks.
Electric VNR Models to Hit Streets as VTNA, Partners Accelerate EV Program
FONTANA, Calif. — Volvo Trucks North America provided the first rides in its forthcoming electric VNR model, and its partners in the Volvo LIGHTS project provided an update on efforts underway to accelerate adoption of electric trucks during a Feb. 11 media event.
Gridlocked Maine Panel Could Punt Transportation Funding Fix
A commission looking to solve Maine’s persistent transportation funding shortfall broke down in a Feb. 11 hearing, with frustrated members saying it should punt its work to 2021 — or to voters — amid differences over budget transfers and the gas tax.
Nissan Sues Ghosn in Japan, Seeks $91 Million in Damages
Nissan Motor Co. is stepping up its pursuit of claims against former Chairman Carlos Ghosn, suing for 10 billion yen ($91 million) in damages from the former leader of the Japanese automaker and its alliance with Renault SA.
Federal Policymakers to Draft Self-Driving Vehicles Bill
WASHINGTON — Policymakers in the U.S. House of Representatives are aiming to draft a bipartisan measure that would guarantee the deployment of lifesaving technologies in self-driving vehicles, the chairman of a key committee said Feb. 11.
ATA Among Trucking Stakeholders Asking Appeals Court to Rehear Walmart Case
Walmart should not be required to pay a large court-certified class of its California truck drivers $54 million for layovers, rest breaks and pre-trip and post-trip inspections, according to an amicus curiae brief filed with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by two large trucking trade organizations and a pair of large motor carriers.
RIDOT Seeks Comment on Proposed Truck Toll Increase
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is accepting public comments on a proposal to increase the truck toll rate at a certain gantry location.