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.
Feds Warn Wisconsin to Hold Off on Plans for Major New Roads
The federal government is telling Wisconsin officials they should hold off on plans for major new road projects and instead complete stalled construction they intend to delay further.
Daily 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.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of Jan. 17: Capital Infrastructure Forecast
What will a new president and new Congress mean for metropolitan Washington, D.C.'s efforts to upgrade its infrastructure? Mike Sakata of the Metropolitan Washington Road & Transportation Builders Association offers insight in this week's Capitol Agenda, which also looks at a revived effort to allow twin 33s on federal highways.
Missouri Senate Fuel Tax Hike Sponsor Says It’s House’s Turn on Funding
A 5.9 cents per gallon fuel tax hike that had the support of then-Gov. Jay Nixon passed the Missouri Senate and two House committees last year, only to have the full lower chamber not even bring the bill up for a vote.
Tom Smith Named West Virginia DOT Secretary
Tom Smith was named West Virginia’s Transportation Secretary by Governor-Elect Jim Justice on Jan. 14.
Truckers Face Dearth of Rest Stops Along Florida's I-4 Corridor
The inadequacy of truck rest areas in Central Florida recently became apparent in Seminole County as an increasing number of truckers started parking along the shoulders of Interstate 4 near the two rest stops just north of state Road 434 for lack of empty spaces.
Indiana Lawmaker Aims to Raise Speed Limit for Trucks
An Indiana lawmaker is trying to eliminate the lower speed limit for trucks on interstate highways.
Opinion: Appreciate Truck Drivers Every Day of the Year
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was Sept. 11–17 last year here in America. It is recognized as a time to honor and acknowledge the nation’s truck drivers for their dedication and hard work and for putting up with extraordinarily challenging working conditions throughout the year.
January 16, 2017Editorial: Salute 20 Ambassadors of Trucking
Please take a moment to note and appreciate something that doesn’t happen nearly often enough. Twenty of our fellow citizens are being lauded with national attention for devotion to their industry, working hard and carefully on a consistent basis over time, in a way that helps to make for a smoothly running society.
January 16, 2017DOT Nominee Chao Outlines Funding, Infrastructure Priorities
WASHINGTON — Elaine Chao, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation, pledged to collaborate with Congress on boosting funding for highway projects and modernizing the country’s freight networks during a friendly confirmation hearing in the Senate on Jan. 11.
FedEx, Amazon Lead Twin 33s Advocacy Group
Americans for Modern Transportation, a new coalition of shippers and retailers led by FedEx Corp. and Amazon.com intends to press congressional lawmakers this year to approve nationwide access of twin 33-foot trailers.