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 Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Department of Transportation celebrated its 50th anniversary at a ceremony in Washington on Feb. 3 attended by Secretary Anthony Foxx and six of his predecessors.
New Safety Fitness Rule Could Affect State Laws, FMCSA Tells Governors Group
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has notified the National Governors Association that the agency’s proposed new methodology it plans to use to determine the safety fitness of motor carriers may affect some existing state laws, regulations or regulatory activity.
Sen. John Thune: FMCSA Nominee Scott Darling’s ‘Depth of Experience’ Concerns Some Senators
WASHINGTON — Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) said senators on the panel have raised concerns about Scott Darling, President Obama’s choice to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
New York Supreme Court Rules Tax and Decal Fee Unconstitutional
New York’s Supreme Court ruled Feb. 1 that the state’s highway-use tax and decal required of out-of-state truckers are unenforceable, awarding a victory to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in its class-action lawsuit.
Omnitracs Introduces Next-Gen Telematics Platform
DALLAS — Omnitracs has unveiled its next-generation telematics platform, which introduces voice recognition software to the company’s technology offerings while expanding wireless connectivity within the truck.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's Landmark Transportation Plan Includes Sales Tax Revenue
Asa Hutchinson isn’t known for his progressive views on taxes, but the conservative Republican is the first governor in Arkansas history to propose using general revenues to help fund transportation.
Rep. Reid Ribble Announces Retirement
Rep. Reid Ribble intends to retire at the end of this term, the Republican congressman from Wisconsin announced over the weekend.
'We're Out of Space,' Georgia Ports Authority Says
Anyone looking for independent proof that Georgia Ports Authority is the fastest-growing container port in the country need look no further than the area’s historically low industrial vacancy rates.
Lack of Consensus Is Roadblock for S.C. Highway Funding
Anderson County legislators and the candidates running for two state Senate seats have an array of views about how South Carolina should come up with the money needed to repair its crumbling roads.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill Proposes Fines if Trucks Don't Clear Off Snow
The Pennsylvania state Senate held a hearing Jan. 27 focused on a bill requiring truckers to "make all reasonable efforts" to remove snow and ice from their rigs before driving, but truck association officials fear the wording may be too subjective.