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.
PHMSA Makes 'Hazmat Reverse Logistics' Final Rule Public
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on March 25 made public its final rule intended to clarify, streamline and allow flexible regulatory requirements for return of hazardous materials from retailers back to manufacturers, suppliers and distribution facilities.
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FMCSA Denies HOS Exemption Request for Truckers at Natural Gas, Oil Sites
Federal trucking regulators have denied American Trucking Associations’ hours-of-service exemption request that would have allowed truck drivers working at natural gas and oil sites to exclude waiting time from their calculations of on-duty time.
Economy Grew 1.4% in Fourth Quarter, Supported by Consumers
The U.S. economy grew in the fourth quarter at a faster pace than previously estimated, supported by stronger household spending that is helping cushion the expansion from weakness overseas.
Surface Transportation Board Proposes to Revoke Rate Deregulation for Several Commodities
The Surface Transportation Board has proposed to revoke its previous ruling to deregulate rates for shipping several commodities, citing changing markets for those shipments.
March 24, 2016FMCSA Shuts Down Wyoming Carrier Bar D Bar
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced March 24 that it has shut down a small Wyoming motor carrier for a variety of violations that the agency said pose an imminent hazard to public safety.
US-Nafta Freight Value Falls, Truck Shipments Off the Least
The value of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico carried by truck declined by 1.5% in January compared with a month earlier, and was the smallest decline among all modes, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported March 24.
March 24, 2016Foxx to Talk Future of Transportation at D.C. Think Tank March 30
The country’s top transportation officer will offer an outlook for the transportation landscape at the Center for American Progress on March 30.
March 23, 2016FHWA Announces $60 Million Grant Program for High-Tech Innovations
Federal Highway Administration officials on March 23 announced they are accepting proposals for $60 million in grants to fund high-tech transportation innovations that will improve safety, efficiency, system performance and infrastructure return on investment.
DOT Accepting Applications for FASTLANE Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies, or FASTLANE, grants.
FHWA Releases $1 Million in Emergency Funds For Louisiana
The Federal Highway Administration has made $1 million in emergency funds available to Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development in the wake of floods that swamped the state this month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced on March 23.