Government

About Government News...

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.

Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety

Amazon Vision of Deliveries by Drone Gets Boost in FAA Measure

Amazon.com’s bid to deliver goods via drone directly to a consumer’s doorstep would get a boost under aviation legislation proposed June 22.

Ryan Beene | Bloomberg News
June 26, 2017
Government, Business, Safety

Positive Drug-Test Rate Up to 7-Year High, DOT Says

A new U.S. Department of Transportation drug testing report shows that the overall 2016 lab-reported positive drug test rate for truck drivers and other DOT security-­sensitive employees rose to its highest level since at least 2009, including year-­over-­year increases in three of five drug categories.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
June 26, 2017
Government

Ohio EPA to Lower Nitrogen Oxide Output; Effort to Be Funded by $71.4 Million from VW

Ohio expects to receive $71.4 million from the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Agreement between 2017 and 2027 to fund projects to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from commercial trucks and other sources in the transportation sector, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency said.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
June 26, 2017
Government

Highway Work Will Stop in Illinois if Legislature Fails to Act, IDOT Says

The Illinois Department of Transportation warned that it will be unable to pay for road work underway if state lawmakers don’t soon finish a budget.

Marissa Gamache | Features Coordinator
June 26, 2017
Government

Surging Prices for New Homes Suggest Tight Low-End Supply

Record prices for new U.S. homes amid a sales pickup indicate the supply of houses may be tight at the lower end of the market, pinching first-time buyers, government data showed June 23.

Patricia Laya | Bloomberg News
June 23, 2017
Government, Safety

Report Examining CSA Program Coming Out June 27

A study examining the safety scoring program used by federal trucking regulators is scheduled to be unveiled June 27, the National Academy of Sciences announced.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
June 22, 2017
Government, Business, Safety

Ex-Trooper Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes From Trucking Company for Favorable Inspections

A former Texas Department of Public Safety sergeant has pleaded guilty to corruption charges in federal court for accepting bribes from the owner of a Dallas trucking company for favors related to the inspection of his fleet, court records show.

Kevin Krause | The Dallas Morning News
June 22, 2017
Government, Business

Hours-of-Service Truck Driving Law Could Damage Livestock Industry

A new federal law that drastically reduces the number of hours truck drivers can be on the road could seriously affect the livestock industry in Oklahoma and other states where animal production is critical to the economy.

Rachael Van Horn | The Woodward (Okla.) News
June 21, 2017
Government, Business, Equipment

Rep. LaMalfa Proposes Bill to Repeal Excise Tax on Trucks

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
June 21, 2017