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.
Congress Passes Restart Fix
The clarification of an hours-of-service rule for truckers in a short-term funding bill was signed by President Obama shortly after the Senate cleared the bill on Dec. 9 and a shutdown of the federal government was averted.
TT Podcasts: RoadSigns
Volvo's Chayene de Souza and Magnus Gustafson discuss how new, connected trucks can boost business, enhance safety practices, and reinforce preventative maintenance plans.
FMCSA Announces Final Rules With Major Impact for Drivers
Federal trucking regulators announced two long-awaited final rules last week, one setting up classroom and behind-the-wheel training requirements for new truck and bus drivers; the other to help motor carriers keep tabs on drivers shopping for jobs after they have refused or failed pre-employment drug and alcohol tests.
HOS Update Enacted After Obama Signs Short-Term Funding Bill
The clarification of an hours-of-service rule for truckers in a short-term funding bill was signed by President Obama shortly after the Senate cleared the bill Dec. 9 and a shutdown of the federal government was averted.
Governor Signs Bills Allowing Autonomous, Platooning Vehicles in Michigan
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder turned the bills governing autonomous and platooning vehicles into law Dec. 9. Senate Bills 995-997 had been passed overwhelmingly by both houses of Michigan’s Legislature.
Canadian Carrier Consolidated Fastfrate Begins Cross-Border US Service
Consolidated Fastfrate, a less-than-truckload company headquartered in Ontario, is offering cross-border service into the United States through partnerships with other carriers, the company announced Dec. 6.
December 9, 2016US Chamber of Commerce Said to Tell Mexico It Will Defend Nafta From Trump
MEXICO CITY — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce told a closed-door gathering of Mexican and American corporate and government leaders that it is aiming to keep Donald Trump from fulfilling his campaign threat to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement, according to three people with direct knowledge of the matter.
EEOC Sues Stevens Transport for Refusing to Hire Driver
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a federal lawsuit against Dallas-based refrigerated carrier Stevens Transport Inc. for refusing to hire a truck driver with bipolar disorder.
Oklahoma’s Scott Pruitt Is Trump’s Pick to Lead Environmental Agency
President-elect Donald Trump is tapping Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, he announced Dec. 8, placing a chief opponent of the Obama administration’s climate agenda in charge of implementing the nation’s environmental laws.
Former Gov. Ed Rendell: New Tolls on Interstates Ideal for Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON — Allowing states to establish tolling facilities on existing interstate highways would help finance large-scale infrastructure projects, the former governor of Pennsylvania argued while on a panel here on Dec. 8.
Vermont’s Gov.-Elect Phil Scott Wants to Boost Transportation, Not Taxes
Vermont is Bernie Sanders’ home state, but its governor-elect is hardly in the former Democratic presidential candidate’s tax and spend model. Speaking to the Vermont Petroleum Association on Dec. 7, Republican Phil Scott said he wants to rebuild the state’s infrastructure but without raising taxes.