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.
US Seeks NAFTA Changes
The Trump administration is moving to renegotiate terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, and a request from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for comments on how to proceed has drawn a plea from the trucking industry to reshape, but not scuttle the landmark trade deal.
Rep. DeFazio Aims to Block Trump’s Infrastructure Plan
WASHINGTON — Rep. Peter DeFazio is never far from home. His small office at the Rayburn House Office Building is a bona fide southwest Oregon visitor center. Visitors are greeted by posters of college football matchups featuring Oregon schools, photos of the Pacific coast and majestic mountains and a cute little beaver reminiscent of a Gund stuffed animal by the front desk.
FMCSA Forms Working Groups to Develop Requirements for Automated Vehicle Pilots
WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s chief safety officer last week said the agency has formed three core working groups to develop prospective requirements for manufacturers and truckers seeking to participate in highly automated commercial vehicle, or HACV, pilot programs.
Pence, Ryan to Keynote Manufacturers’ Summit
Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses at the National Association of Manufacturers annual summit in Washington on June 20-21.
June 16, 2017Replay: LiveOnWeb's 'The Race to Automated Driving'
Today's LiveOnWeb program gets you up to speed on the latest developments in automated driving technologies for commercial trucks. Our guests were ATA President and CEO Chris Spear and consultant Richard Bishop. TT's Seth Clevenger hosts. Watch the replay.
June 15, 2017Chao: Administration Still Figuring Out Funding for Infrastructure Plan
The Trump administration has yet to agree on how to fund a portion of a $1 trillion, 10-year infrastructure plan expected to be unveiled this fall, the country’s top transportation officer told House funding leaders on June 15, a week after the White House hosted infrastructure-centric events around the country.
Trump Names Kelly Craft Canada Ambassador Ahead of NAFTA Talks
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump named longtime Republican donor Kelly Craft as his next ambassador to Canada on June 14, according to a White House official.
Human Drivers Are Afraid to Hand the Wheel to Robots
Autonomous autos are advancing so rapidly that companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo are beginning to offer robot rides to everyday consumers. But it turns out the traveling public may not be ready.
Ordered to Cut Regulations, FMCSA Panel Identifies 12 'Nothing Burger' Rules
WASHINGTON — A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advisory committee gave its blessing to a preliminary plan by the agency to eliminate 12 mostly outdated “nothing burger” commercial vehicle regulations to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order to ease regulatory burdens on businesses.
Senators Preview Self-Driving Legislation
Legislation pertaining to self-driving vehicles would need to prioritize safety, and promote innovation, senators crafting the measure announced ahead of a hearing on the matter.
June 13, 2017