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.
DOT Drug Testing Shows Marijuana Most Common, But Amphetamine Use Rising Fastest
While more commercial motor vehicle drivers tested positive for marijuana in 2015 than any other drug screened in mandated pre-employment and random tests given by motor carriers, the rate of positive tests for amphetamines continues to climb at a rapid rate.
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.
Ready for Roadcheck 2016? Online Tool From Stay Metrics Will Test You
With Roadcheck 2016 set for June 7-9, Stay Metrics and Luma have released a free online tire safety training module to help drivers prepare for the event.
June 1, 2016Verbal Lashing From House Speaker Spurs S.C. Senate to Pass Roads Bill
South Carolina senators late May 31 approved the borrowing of $2 billion for highway construction over a decade and giving the governor more control of the state’s road-repair agency.
Biden Supports R.I. Governor’s Truck-Only Tolls
The ongoing battle between Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo and the state’s trucking association took another turn on May 27 when Vice President Joe Biden flew to the Ocean State to publicly express his support for RhodeWorks, Raimondo’s truck-only tolling infrastructure plan.
Canadian In-Transit Shipment Pilot Program Begins
Canadian in-transit shipments through the United States resumed May 27 after more than 11 years. The resumption of shipments will begin with a six-month pilot program for nine Canadian carriers. If all goes well, such routes then would be expected to resume on a permanent basis.
Commenters Slam Safety Fitness Proposal
Comments filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on its proposed safety fitness scores were mostly negative.
House Committee Keeps Provisions on HOS, Safety Fitness, Meal Breaks
A provision that would allow truck drivers to avoid a rest requirement of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. on consecutive days was kept in a fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill a House committee approved May 24.
New Overtime Threshold Could Disrupt Payrolls, Revamp Job Classifications, Trucking Execs Warn
Across the trucking industry, companies should be prepared for some type of financial disruption due to the new Department of Labor rule on overtime pay, a senior official with American Truck Dealers told Transport Topics.
Forward Air CFO Rodney Bell to Retire, XPO’s Michael Morris to Take Post
Forward Air Corp. announced that Chief Financial Officer Rodney Bell will retire on June 27 and that Michael Morris, an XPO Logistics executive, will replace Bell in the post.
May 29, 2016Replay: LiveOnWeb on Driver Health and Wellness From A to Zzzzzz
Who better to talk about driver health and wellness than men who are tops in their field? Competitive powerlifter Ralph Garcia, a professional driver for ABF Freight System with 3.5 million accident-free miles, and world-class swimmer and triathlete Siphiwe Baleka, a driver/trainer from Prime Inc., head up our LiveOnWeb panel on Driver Health and Wellness From A to Zzzzz. Watch the replay.
May 29, 2016