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.
August Retail Sales Fall Short of Analysts’ Estimates
U.S. retail sales rose by less than forecast in August after an upwardly revised July gain as purchases of automobiles and clothing fell, suggesting households took a breather from spending.
September 14, 2018Lanehub Expands Shipment Matching Service for Backhauls
Lanehub, a collaborative transportation platform, has introduced Backhaul Assist to help shippers market excess freight-hauling capacity to other companies.
September 14, 2018Import Surge Drives Busiest August in Port of Oakland’s 91-Year History
The Port of Oakland on Sept. 13 reported the busiest August in its 91-year history, a record start to its peak season with imports up 9.2% from a year ago.
Autonomous Vehicles to Bring Groceries to Oklahoma City Residents
Don’t worry, you haven’t fallen, but the turnip truck is about to start driving itself.
Senate Still Reviewing FAA Bill That Contains Trucking-Related Issues as Deadline Nears
Proponents of a bill that includes language to ensure nationwide uniformity of meal-and-rest-break rules for truck drivers are racing against the clock to advance the measure before a funding deadline, but face resistance from some Democratic senators.
Federal Standard on Autonomous Vehicle Technology Is Needed, Rep. Latta Says
WASHINGTON — Congress needs to ensure autonomous vehicle technology operates under a national directive instead of a patchwork of guidelines from the states, a key House authorizer said Sept. 13.
RhodeWorks Architect Gov. Gina Raimondo Wins Primary
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, creator of the controversial RhodeWorks program, will remain on the ballot for this year’s general election to take on two-time rival Allan Fung.
All Railroads Should Install PTC by Dec. 31 Deadline, NTSB Tells Congress
Equipping the country’s freight and commercial trains with technology designed to automatically slow down or stop trains traveling at dangerous speeds would improve safety, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board told Congress Sept. 13.
Core Inflation Unexpectedly Cools as Apparel Costs Fall
A gauge of underlying U.S. inflation unexpectedly cooled in August as apparel prices fell by the most in about seven decades and medical-care costs declined, offering Americans a respite from accelerating price gains.
Continued Testing, Cleaner Fuel Proposed for Diesel Engines
Diesel fuel still has a large role to play in achieving greater emissions reductions in heavy-duty trucks, experts said during a recent conference in San Francisco. Separately, they urged more in-use testing of engines to verify the gains, and increased use of renewable diesel, which is chemically similar to petroleum diesel, but cleaner.