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.
North American 'Road Blitz' Puts 683 Hazmat Trucks Out of Service
For the first time, the United States and Mexico joined Canada in a weeklong hazardous materials “road blitz” enforcement event, placing more than 7.4% of trucks inspected out-of-service for transportation of dangerous goods or hazmat violations, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said on Oct. 29.
Kansas DOT Announces Funding Recipients for Local Bridge Replacement Program
The Kansas Department of Transportation will distribute $5 million to dozens of counties through a recently reinstated Local Bridge Improvement Program.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Renews Self-Driving Car Initiative
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine on Oct. 29 signed an executive order renewing DriveOhio, the state initiative promoting self-driving cars and other forms of “smart” mobility.
Consumer Confidence Falls for Third Consecutive Month
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence has fallen for a third consecutive month as optimism about job prospects and business conditions down the road grow weaker.
Report: Saudi Aramco Shares to Start Trading in December
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The long-planned initial public offering of a sliver of Saudi Arabia’s state-run oil giant Saudi Aramco will see shares traded on Riyadh’s stock exchange in December, a Saudi-owned satellite news channel reported Oct. 29 as the kingdom’s marquee investment forum got underway.
Automakers Side With Trump in Legal Fight With California
WASHINGTON — General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota and many others in the auto industry are siding with the Trump administration in a lawsuit over whether California has the right to set its own greenhouse gas emissions and fuel-economy standards.
Diesel Prices Creep Up, but Gasoline Falls
The U.S. average retail price of diesel rose 1.4 cents to $3.064 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported Oct. 28.
HHS Establishes Guidelines for Oral-Fluid Specimen Drug Testing
The Department of Health and Human Services has established scientific and technical guidelines for the inclusion of oral fluid specimens for use in the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.
Rising Home Prices, Falling Sales Hurt Small Businesses
NEW YORK — Many small companies tied to the housing market are seeing a slowdown in business, one that’s forecast to continue well into 2020.
Top Agriculture Commodity Traders Get Squeezed as Exports Falter
With U.S. grain exports expected to fall more than 20% in the 2019 crop year, Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., Bunge Ltd. and Cargill Inc. are making less money buying and selling crops.