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.
Editorial: Paying at the Pump for Infrastructure
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao kicked off Infrastructure Week with the hopeful message that the Trump Administration is keeping its options open for ways to pay for its planned 10-year, $1.5 trillion infrastructure program. But that message — and, perhaps, the very goal of the weeklong initiative itself — was somewhat offset by the reality that U.S. lawmakers likely won’t get anything done on infrastructure this year.
May 17, 2018Australian Ambassador Tells Lawmakers to Consider Infrastructure Privatization
WASHINGTON — With many American policymakers struggling to identify a long-term path for funding their big-ticket infrastructure projects, Australia’s ambassador to the United States has proposed a rather simple approach: privatize the projects.
Trump’s China Tariffs Will Pinch US Consumers, Retailers Warn
Americans will pay more for everything from big-screen TVs to school supplies if the Trump administration follows through on threats to slap tariffs on Chinese imports, U.S. retailers warned.
CVSA Symposium Emphasizes Advances in Brake Technology
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The trouble with brakes is that so many things can go wrong. That was one of the takeaways from the first day of a two-day Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance brake symposium aiming to educate motor carriers, commercial vehicle inspectors and technicians on the latest advances and challenges in keeping brakes in good working order.
Uniform Road Laws, Reduced Congestion Could Ease Interstate Trucking, Experts Say
WASHINGTON — Harmonization among states on road laws relating to capacity would vastly improve interstate trucking, according to industry experts.
Millions Spent to Clean Up California’s Diesel Trucks, but Is It Enough?
This spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded nearly $6.4 million to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to replace older diesel trucks for those that run nearly 90% cleaner, and older farm tractors for those that meet the latest emissions standards.
Oakland Port Ban on Coal Shipments Blocked by US Judge
A federal judge struck down the city of Oakland, Calif.’s ban prohibiting companies from transporting coal through an export terminal that U.S. miners see as a key link to overseas markets.
NAFTA Trio Set to Miss Ryan’s May 17 Target Without Deal
NAFTA negotiators from the United States, Canada and Mexico are poised to miss the deadline this week cited by House Speaker Paul Ryan, the latest blown marker for reworking the 24-year-old deal.
Diesel Leaps 6.8¢ to $3.239 a Gallon; California Nears $4
The U.S. average retail price of diesel fuel surged 6.8 cents to $3.239 a gallon, the eighth straight week that trucking’s main fuel has gone up in price, according to the weekly report from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration on May 14.
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao Keeps All Options Open for Funding Infrastructure
The Trump administration still is sifting through a slew of financing mechanisms, from a vehicle miles traveled fee to a fuel tax, to bolster infrastructure funding, according to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who delivered keynote remarks May 14 to kick off Infrastructure Week.