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.
Canada Appoints Mediator to Solve CN Rail Strike
A strike by Canadian National Railway workers stretching into its second week has Canadian federal officials concerned and the federal government has appointed a mediator to try to solve the dispute, Bloomberg reported.
February 20, 2007Satellite Radio Rivals Sirius, XM Seek Merger
Satellite radio rivals XM Satellite Radio Holdings and Sirius Satellite Radio are seeking to merge their operations but may face antitrust hurdles in completing such a deal, news reports said Tuesday.
February 20, 2007Technology Briefs — Feb. 13 - Feb. 20
CARB Will Not Appeal ‘Reflash’ Court Ruling • PeopleNet Upgrades g3 Software • Siemens Buys Powertrain Firm for Hybrid Market • CTA Welcomes Canada’s ‘ecoFreight’ Program
February 20, 2007Key Senator Backs Incentives for New Truck Engines, APUs
ARLINGTON, Va. — The new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee told directors of American Trucking Associations last week that he supported creation of federal financial incentives to help fleets purchase new, cleaner-burning diesel engines and auxiliary power units.
February 20, 2007ATA Agrees to Boost Support for Biodiesel
ARLINGTON, Va. — American Trucking Associations said last week it would become more vocal in its support for increased fuel efficiency in heavy trucks and ratified an agreement with the biodiesel industry to promote that fuel at the federal level.
Editorial: The Clean-Truck Paradox
For anyone who operates a commercial truck, there is little doubt about the importance of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency — especially in this era of historically high diesel and gasoline prices.
February 20, 2007Consumer Confidence Declines in February
U.S. consumer confidence fell this month from a two-year high in January, according to the University of Michigan’s monthly consumer sentiment index released Friday.
February 16, 2007Housing Starts Plunge to Lowest Level Since 1997
New housing starts plunged 14.3% in January to their lowest level in 10 years, the Commerce Department said Friday.
February 16, 2007January Producer Price Index Declines 0.6%
The producer price index fell 0.6% in January, but the “core” rate rose, the Labor Department reported Friday.
February 16, 2007Parts of Pennsylvania Interstates Closed Following Ice Storm
A thick layer of ice kept parts of major highways closed in Pennsylvania Friday morning, a day after hundreds of drivers became stranded on a hilly stretch of Interstate 78 that was hit by this week’s big snow and ice storm, the Associated Press reported.
February 16, 2007