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.
State and Local Officials Respond to Federal Self-Driving Car Legislation
State and regional transportation officials largely praised the vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to ease the development of self-driving cars, and the technology associated with them, Sept. 6.
Traffic Nightmare as More Than 1 Million Flee Irma in Florida, Georgia
MIAMI — The race to flee Hurricane Irma became a marathon nightmare for many as more than a half-million people were ordered to leave South Florida and 540,000 coastal residents to flee the Georgia coast on Sept.7.
September 7, 2017Pacific Northwest Wildfires Prompt Federal Emergency HOS Response
Oregon and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have extended an emergency declaration and associated regulatory relief through Oct. 31, allowing truckers to address the fire danger and widespread emergency conditions that create a need for transportation of supplies, equipment and people into and out of the state.
September 7, 2017Hurricane Irma Forces Postponement of Hearing Into CSX Service Woes
Due to the threat of Hurricane Irma, the Surface Transportation Board postponed a meeting scheduled for Sept. 12 to discuss CSX’s rail service woes this summer.
HOS Suspended for Truckers Carrying Hurricane Irma Aid
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has suspended several trucking regulations, including hours-of-service requirements, to facilitate the movement of aid that carriers deliver to states and territories in the path of oncoming Hurricane Irma.
September 7, 2017House Rejects Bid to Delay Dec. 18 ELD Mandate
A last-ditch effort in the U.S. House to delay the Dec. 18 mandate on electronic logging devices for trucks was soundly defeated Sept. 6.
House Passes Bill to Speed Introduction of Self-Driving Vehicles
U.S. House lawmakers passed a wide-ranging bill to speed the introduction of self-driving vehicles championed by tech and auto companies racing to develop and deploy the technology.
Carriers Face Congestion, Rerouting After Harvey Devastates Texas
Ports across Texas have gradually resumed operations and inundated highways are beginning to clear, but the intermodal chain still faces challenges in Hurricane Harvey’s wake.
Jobless Claims Soar by Most Since 2012 on Hurricane Harvey
U.S. jobless claims surged last week by the most since November 2012 as tens of thousands of Texans displaced by Hurricane Harvey filed applications to collect benefits, according to Labor Department figures Sept. 7.
September 7, 2017New Ambassador Bridge to Dedicate One Lane for Pre-Screened Trucks
The new span of the Ambassador Bridge, which the Detroit International Bridge Co. recently obtained a permit to build, will include a lane dedicated to pre-approved trucks moving across the border, according to Dan Stamper, president of the company.
September 6, 2017