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.
Treatment Could Lower Crash Risk for Truckers With Sleep Apnea
Commercial truck drivers who get treatment for obstructive sleep apnea for two years may reduce their crash risk to the level of drivers without apnea, a study from Italy suggests.
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OOIDA Settles With New York State For $44.4 Million
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association reached a $44.4 million tax refund agreement with New York state on Sept. 21.
Responses Mixed to Proposal for Pilot Program Involving Young Drivers
While the idea clearly has strong supporters, not everyone agrees that allowing young drivers behind the wheel of big rigs is either safe or a wise solution to one of trucking’s biggest headaches: the driver shortage.
Federal Regulators Release Speed Limiter Environmental Assessment
Federal regulators on Sept. 28 released to the public their draft environmental assessment for a proposed rule requiring that heavy-duty trucks limit their speeds.
Texas Trucking Community Unsure About Expected Weight-Limit Increase Proposal
Texas’ trucking community is divided on a plan to raise truck weight limits in designated corridors near the state’s ports, particularly Houston.
New Jersey Transportation Committee Chairman Wants to Borrow $3.2 Billion to End Funding Impasse
In hopes of ending New Jersey’s road construction shutdown that has lasted since July 8, Assemblyman John Wisniewski has proposed that the state borrow $3.2 billion over the next two years to restore the Transportation Trust Fund.
White House Announces $80 Million for Smart Cities Program
More than 70 cities and communities will receive $80 million to improve freight and transit connectivity, reduce their carbon footprint and increase the resilience of infrastructure to severe weather events, the White House announced this week.
September 27, 2016Trump Castigates Global Trade Pacts; Lawmakers Caught in a Vice
WASHINGTON — Sens. Charles Grassley, a cantankerous Midwestern conservative, and Tim Kaine, a paint-by-the-numbers East Coast Democrat, don’t agree on very much. But when it comes to free trade, both are very worried.
Consumer Confidence Hits Nine-Year High on Job Optimism
Consumer confidence rose in September to the highest level since before the last recession on optimism about the labor market, according to a report from the New York-based Conference Board on Sept. 27.
Ontario Will Reissue Moratoriums on Axle Weight Penalties
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province announced on Sept. 24 that it will reissue moratoriums on axle weight penalties and only enforce gross vehicle weight violations while a final agreement on those in the excavation/aggregate hauling sector is being negotiated.