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

Consumer Spending in Third Quarter Paces 2% Economic Growth

The U.S. economy expanded at a revised 2% annualized rate in the third quarter, buoyed by consumer spending as businesses struggled to sell to overseas customers battered by sluggish growth.

Michelle Jamrisko | Bloomberg News
December 22, 2015

TT Podcasts: RoadSigns

Check out Transport Topics' updated Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America, and explore how the industry's top players have adapted to a tough freight market and are preparing for the future.

Government, Business, Autonomous

FMCSA to Lower Random Drug Testing Level to 25% in 2016

The trucking industry will be able to randomly test 25% of its drivers for drug use during 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Dec. 21.

December 21, 2015
Government

Omnibus, Tax Credits Became Law With Obama’s Signature

Not long after the Senate followed the House in passing the omnibus funding bill and the accompanying tax legislation Dec. 18, President Obama signed both into law.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
December 21, 2015
Government

Senate Trucking Panel Names Top Staffer

The top trucking policymaker in the Senate, John Thune (R-S.D.), announced his pick to lead the panel as staff director in 2016.

December 21, 2015
Government, Business

Congress Imposes Hurdles for Restoring HOS Restart

An expansive fiscal 2016 funding bill that avoids a shutdown of the federal government offered a significant victory for the trucking industry by extending the suspension of the hours-of-service restart rule, but it did not include language to allow twin 33-foot trailers nationwide.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
December 21, 2015
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment

ATA Says it Expects to File Court Brief in Support of Electronic Log Mandate

American Trucking Associations said late last week it expects to file a court brief in support of the electronic logging mandate, after a legal challenge from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
December 21, 2015
Government

Congress Passes Omnibus, Extends HOS Restart Review

A review of an hours-of-service restart rule will take longer to complete under guidelines Congress approved in an expansive fiscal 2016 funding bill Dec. 18.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
December 18, 2015
Government, Business

Senate Joins House in Passing Tax Extenders

The long-awaited natural-gas tax credits legislation just needed President Obama’s expected approval to be made retroactive for all of 2015 and extended through 2016 after the bill was passed by the House on Dec. 17 and the Senate on Dec. 18.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
December 18, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

James Bass Chosen as Texas DOT Leader

The Texas Transportation Commission selected James Bass to be the executive director of the state’s Department of Transportation, effective Jan. 1. Bass has been the agency’s chief financial officer since 2005.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
December 18, 2015
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment

ATA Says It Expects to File Court Brief in Support of Electronic Log Mandate

American Trucking Associations said it expects to file a court brief in support of the electronic logging mandate, after a legal challenge from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

David Elfin | Staff Reporter
December 18, 2015