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.
Christie Allies Found Guilty on All Counts in Bridgegate Trial
Two former allies of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were convicted of joining a partisan plot to create crippling traffic near the George Washington Bridge as punishment for a local mayor who wouldn’t support the governor’s 2013 re-election.
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.
NHTSA to Hold Listening Session on Automated Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced it will hold a public listening session Nov. 10 for comment on the recently released guidelines for the testing and deployment of highly automated vehicles.
Kentucky Drops 511 for Online Traffic and Road Information System
Truckers looking for help navigating Kentucky’s roads now can use Goky.ky.gov, an online traffic and roadway information portal that has replaced the traditional 511 travel and weather phone system.
Police Organization Urges Regulators to Refine Speed-Limiter Proposal
The National Fraternal Order of Police called on federal transportation regulators to gather additional information and refine a speed-limiter proposal for trucks.
November 3, 2016Maryland Hails Savings for Truckers, State Thanks to Automated Permitting System
Maryland’s Department of Transportation said Nov. 2 that the automated permitting system it introduced in May will save the trucking industry $6 million annually in fees.
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Rule Gains White House Approval
The White House Office of Management and Budget on Oct. 31 completed its review of the final Commercial Drivers’ License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rule.
November 3, 2016FHWA Makes $1 Million in Emergency Funds Available for North, Central Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has been awarded $1 million in Emergency Relief Funds from the Federal Highway Administration to start repairing roads and bridges in the north and central parts of the state that were swamped by heavy rain and floods on Oct. 20-21.
Minnesota Political Battle Holding Up $105 Million in FAST Act Funding
A dispute between Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, and the state’s House Republican majority over who gets to dictate how funds are distributed, is hanging up $105 million in FAST Act dollars.
Purdue, Penn State Receive Federal Funds for Truck Technology Research
Research projects at two universities designed to enhance truck platooning and improve maintenance of exhaust aftertreatment systems for trucks received $8 million in federal backing, the Department of Energy announced Nov. 2.
November 2, 2016Comment Period on Proposed Speed-Limiter Rule Extended to Dec. 7
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have extended the deadline for public comments on their proposed speed-limiter rule by 30 days to Dec. 7, the agencies announced Nov. 1.