Government

About Government News...

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.

Government, Business

Department of Labor Opinion: Driver Sleeper Berth Off-Duty Time Need Not Be Compensated

The U.S. Department of Labor has clarified that the time drivers spend in sleeper berths does not count as compensable time, unless they are actually performing work or are on call.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
July 23, 2019
Government, Business

ATA’s Truck Tonnage Index Falls 1.1% in June

American Trucking Associations’ June advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index declined by 1.1% in June, after also falling 4% in May.

Dan Ronan | Senior Reporter
July 23, 2019
Government, Business, Safety

FMCSA Seeks Comment on Agricultural Commodity, Livestock Definitions in HOS Rules

In an effort to provide clarity for U.S. farmers and commercial drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on July 22 announced it is seeking public comment on revising agricultural commodity or livestock definitions in hours-of-service regulations.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
July 23, 2019
Government, Business, Technology, Fuel, Top 100

Availability of Medium-Duty E-Trucks Is Limited as Testing Continues

Battery-electric medium-duty trucks may have a bright future due to their potential to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability. But currently, the availability of these trucks is limited as testing continues.

Steve Brawner | Contributing Writer
July 23, 2019
Government, Business, Fuel

Diesel Drops 0.7¢ to $3.044 a Gallon as Oil Prices Hold Steady

The U.S. average retail price of diesel dropped by 0.7 cent to $3.044 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported July 22. Meanwhile, crude oil rose to slightly more than $56 a barrel during trading of West Texas Intermediate.

Jim Stinson | Staff Reporter
July 22, 2019
Government, Safety

Federal Watchdog Recommends Congress Improve Freight Infrastructure Grants

In a report raising concerns about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s management of infrastructure grants popular among state officials, the Government Accountability Office recommended Congress reform the program.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
July 22, 2019
Government, Business

Pennsylvania Turnpike Tolls to Rise — Again

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has approved a 6% toll rate increase to keep pace with rising debt-service costs.

Eleanor Lamb | Staff Reporter
July 22, 2019
Government, Fuel

Millions of Barrels of Iran Oil Are Sitting in China’s Ports

Tankers are offloading millions of barrels of Iranian oil into storage tanks at Chinese ports, creating a hoard of crude sitting on the doorstep of the world’s biggest buyer.

July 22, 2019
Government, Business

China Considers Plan to Boost Purchases of US Soybeans

The Chinese government is in discussions with state and privately owned soybean buyers over a plan to raise purchases of U.S. supplies, according to people familiar with the situation.

July 22, 2019
Government

AASHTO Announces FHWA’s Brandye Hendrickson as New Deputy Director

Brandye Hendrickson, deputy administrator at the Federal Highway Administration, will be leaving her post and joining the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Eleanor Lamb | Staff Reporter
July 22, 2019