Government

About Government News...

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.

Government

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.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
February 3, 2016
Government

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.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
February 3, 2016
Government

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.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
February 2, 2016
Government, Business, Safety, Equipment

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.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
February 2, 2016
Business, Government, Safety, Autonomous

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.

Seth Clevenger | Managing Editor, Features and Multimedia
February 2, 2016
Government, Business

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.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
February 1, 2016
Government

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.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
February 1, 2016
Business, Government

'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.

Mary Carr Mayle | Savannah (Ga.) Morning News
February 1, 2016
Government

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.

Kirk Brown | Anderson (S.C.) Independent Mail
February 1, 2016
Government, Business, Autonomous

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.

David Weissman | The York (Pa.) Dispatch
January 29, 2016