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

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.

Patrick Marley | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
January 17, 2017

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.

Government, Business, Technology

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.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 17, 2017
Government, Fuel

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.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
January 17, 2017
Government

Tom Smith Named West Virginia DOT Secretary

Tom Smith was named West Virginia’s Transportation Secretary by Governor-Elect Jim Justice on Jan. 14.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
January 17, 2017
Government

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.

Martin E. Comas | Orlando Sentinel
January 17, 2017
Government, Business

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.

Javonte Anderson | Post-Tribune (Merrillville, Ind.)
January 17, 2017
Perspective, Government, Business, Safety, Logistics, Autonomous, Fuel

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, 2017
Editorial, Business, Safety, Government, Logistics, Autonomous

Editorial: 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, 2017
Government

DOT 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.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 16, 2017
Government, Business, Equipment, Safety

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.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 13, 2017