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.
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.
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.
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, 2015Omnibus, 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.
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, 2015Congress 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.