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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 2019China 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, 2019AASHTO 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.