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.
US Crude Production to Beat EIA’s Outlook by 23 Years
A year ago, the U.S. government envisioned American crude production averaging 11.95 million barrels a day in 2042. Shale drillers are set to exceed that this year.
FedEx Express Agrees to Buy International Business From Israeli Firm
FedEx Express is acquiring the international express delivery business of Flying Cargo Group, a company based in Israel that has been a service partner with FedEx since 1990, company officials announced Jan. 15.
January 25, 2019Editorial: Watching the Slowdowns, Ending the Shutdown
A gangbusters year marked by soaring freight rates and frenzied order and sales activity for equipment ended on a soft note, as December saw reported declines in both truck tonnage and trailer orders. It had to happen eventually, but some may feel cheated that the industry didn’t get to close out this otherwise stellar year on a high note.
January 24, 2019Experts Discuss Autonomous Tech’s Effect on Freight
WASHINGTON — As they become more prevalent, autonomous technologies will bear a bigger impact on freight transportation, according to panelists assembled at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ winter meeting.
Government Shutdown Strains Emerge in US Air Travel System
The strain of a 34-day partial government shutdown is weighing on the nation’s air-travel system, both the federal workers who make it go and the airlines that depend on them. Air traffic controllers and airport security agents continued to work without pay — they will miss a second biweekly paycheck Jan. 25 — but high absentee rates raise the threat of long airport lines, or worse.
USDOT: Surface Transportation Agencies Continue as Normal During Shutdown
More than a month into a partial government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Transportation indicates that it’s business as usual for trucking regulators and officials responsible for the country’s surface transportation network.
Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
An appeals court has rejected a challenge by a group of trade and energy organizations to block California’s low-carbon fuel standard aimed at reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions in the state’s transportation sector.
CARB Aggressively Pursues Tougher NOx and PM Emissions Reductions
California environmental regulators are aggressively moving forward with plans to require significant reductions in nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions for heavy trucks, improvements in “real time” on-board diagnostics, and lengthening the “useful life,” durability and warranty periods for heavy trucks.
US Sanctions on Venezuelan Oil Could Benefit China, India
If the United States decides to deploy a slate of sanctions that it is said to have drafted against the Latin American nation, American refiners would be forced to cease purchases. That may mean more supply becomes available for the OPEC producer’s other big customers: China and India.
Jobless Claims Fall to 49-Year Low Despite Shutdown
Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level since 1969, signaling the labor market remains tight despite the partial federal-government shutdown.