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.
Freight Growth Seen Despite Driver Woes; Government Turns Attention to Regulations
Trucking companies are likely to see a continuation of moderate business growth in 2016 as the shortage of qualified drivers keeps a lid on fleet expansion, analysts said.
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.
P3s Are Popular Funding Method in Canada; US DOT Takes Steps to Promote Option
While nine public-private partnerships for transportation had their financial closing in Canada in 2015, only three such infrastructure projects did the same in the United States, whose population is nine times as large.
George Washington’s Battle Experience Led to First National Road for Freight
FORT NECESSITY, Pa. — Dwight Eisenhower is often cited for the major role he played in making surface transportation an important federal responsibility, but the idea didn’t start with Ike. It goes back to the first popular general-turned-president — George Washington.
Highway Law, Acquisitions, Technology Highlight a Historic Year in Trucking
Historians may look back at 2015 as the most important year for the U.S. trucking industry since deregulation in 1980.
December 30, 2015FMCSA Withdraws Vehicle Labeling Proposal
Federal trucking regulators withdrew a proposal meant to require motor carriers to use only trucks that display certain certification labels indicating the commercial vehicles met Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Virginia Tech to Lead FMCSA-Funded Flexible HOS Study
Virginia Tech, along with subcontractors from Washington State and SmartDrive, has been awarded a $2.5 million contract from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to study a flexible hours-of-service safety provision that will allow longhaul truck drivers to split their required sleeper berth time into shorter periods.
Governors to Outline 2016 Priorities at Press Club Jan. 7
Govs. Gary Herbert (R-Utah) and Terry McAuliffe (D-Va.) will specify priorities for states in 2016 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 7.
Pa. Turnpike Tolls Increase by 6% Jan. 3
Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike are poised to increase by 6% at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 3, impacting both cash and E-ZPass customers.
December 29, 2015Withdrawal of Proposed Wetlines Rule to Be Published
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced on Dec. 28 that the Federal Register will publish its withdrawal of a notice of a final rule requiring tank truck carriers who haul flammable liquids to either retrofit their existing tankers to protect their wetlines or install a system to purge product from those lines.
Rep. Reid Ribble Hopeful Truck Weight Issue Advances in 2017
The leading proponent in the House for increasing weight limits for trucks is hopeful a majority in Congress will back his effort in 2017.