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.
ATRI Announces Top 2018 Research Priorities
Planning cities to better accommodate trucks is one area of study the American Transportation Research Institute will delve into further this year, according to a press release issued by the organization April 2. ATRI’s board of directors recently approved the 2018 top research priorities identified by the institute’s Research Advisory Committee.
Trade Fight Expected to Add Risk but Not Sink US Economy
The latest tariff salvos between the United States and China have brought a trade war closer to reality. It’s a risk that the world’s biggest economy is well-positioned to ride out.
China’s Counterpunch to Trump’s Tariffs Sparks Global Selloff
Tit-for-tat tariff threats from the United States and China ignited fears that a trade war is beginning between the world’s two largest economies, lowering U.S. stock futures.
April 4, 2018Nice Guys. Poor Credit Risks.
Although they’re undoubtedly experts in the trucking industry, the folks at E.M. Tharp/Golden State Peterbilt admit they weren’t so great at credit and collections. Find out what happened when they entrusted accounts receivable management to Interstate Billing Service.
April 4, 2018Truckers Ask Court to Halt Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Payments to PennDOT
Groups representing truckers and other motorists asked a federal judge April 2 to halt the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s payments to PennDOT for state transportation projects while the court decides their claims that turnpike tolls are unconstitutionally excessive.
FMCSA Plans to Consider Lengthening Commercial Learner Permit Validity Timeline
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to submit a proposal that will lengthen the amount of time a commercial learner’s permit is valid, according to a statement from the agency.
Companies Add 241,000 Workers in March, ADP Data Show
Companies added more workers than forecast to U.S. payrolls in March, signaling the job market remains robust, according to data released April 4 from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, N.J.
April 4, 2018Opinion: Trump Plan Unlikely to Spur Promised $1 Trillion in Infrastructure Investment
WASHINGTON — On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump reiterated his pledge to “Make America Great Again” by reinvesting in infrastructure projects around the country. The news was greeted favorably by not only voters, but also municipal governments and the transportation industry.
Trucking Industry Prospers Amid NAFTA Uncertainty
An unsuccessful renegotiation of NAFTA would hurt the best for-hire freight environment in nearly 40 years, American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello said. However, barring that “self-imposed risk,” this strong freight cycle could last an additional 18 months or more, he said.
White House Infrastructure Adviser DJ Gribbin Steps Down
David J. “DJ” Gribbin, the key architect of President Donald Trump’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure proposal, is leaving the White House to “pursue new opportunities,” a White House official told Transport Topics on April 3.