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.
Port Panama City Moves Forward on New East Terminal
The Panama City Port Authority on July 20 moved forward with plans for its new East Terminal.
July 24, 2017Daily Briefings from Transport Topics
Transport Topics has partnered with Spoken Layer to make one-minute daily briefings available on all your smart devices. Simply say “Alexa, play Transport Topics” or “Okay Google, talk to Transport Topics” to get the day’s biggest trucking headlines.
Powering Up: Fleets Investing in In-Cab Power for Driver Medical Devices
CPAP machines need a continuous source of power. This can be a challenge for drivers on the road, particularly as the required power draw on trucks has increased with the addition of onboard electronic control modules and drivers’ increased desire to operate the electrical components for comfort and enjoyment.
I-15 Express Lanes Project Awarded $152 Million US DOT Loan
The Riverside County Transportation Commission will receive a $152.2 million federal loan to assist with the completion of its Interstate 15 express lanes corridor project, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced July 20.
Trump’s NAFTA Wish List Offers No Quick Fix, Canada Envoy Says
Negotiators will be hard-pressed to wrap up talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement anytime soon, considering the Trump administration’s list of objectives for the deal, Canada’s envoy to the United States said.
Canadian Pacific Railway Sees End of the Line for Government-Owned Grain Cars
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. is ready to buy its own grain cars, sidelining 6,000 government-provided ones from the 1970s that are no longer up to the job.
Diesel Rises 1¢ to $2.491; Gasoline Drops 1.9¢ to $2.278
The U.S. average diesel price rose 1 cent to $2.491, the Department of Energy said July 17.
July 20, 2017Neglected Infrastructure Hinders Freight, Agricultural Sectors, Executives Say
WASHINGTON — Congested and deteriorating roadways and inland ports as well as insufficient access to wireless communication in rural communities continues to impede commerce for freight and agricultural industries in farming areas, representatives from rural firms told lawmakers July 19.
Leaving NAFTA, Imposing Tariffs Would Drive Up Vehicle Prices, Study Shows
While a proposed border adjustment tax on goods including cars and trucks appears to have been pulled off the political stove by House Republicans, the North American Free Trade Agreement is still on a burner.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Will Hike Tolls for Each of the Next 27 Years, Driving Away Users, Analyst Says
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s ninth straight annual toll increase, approved by its board July 18, helps pay for turnpike operations, plus the highway’s $500 million annual capital budget and $450 million for mass transit systems, including SEPTA.
Calif. Ports Clean Air Plan Calls for Zero-Emissions Trucks
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach released their proposed 2017 Clean Air Action Plan Update, which calls for zero-emissions trucks, increased use of rail for outbound cargo and support for alternative fuels.