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.
June Heavy-Duty Sales Soar
U.S. heavy-duty truck sales soared in June to the third-highest level in history, as manufacturers continued to deliver new vehicles that fleets ordered in huge numbers throughout the fall and winter.
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Panel Votes to Hide Scores During Assessment of CSA
Scores and relevant data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program would not be made public during a review of the program included in a six-year highway bill that a Senate panel approved July 15.
House Passes 5-Month Highway Funding Bill
In a rare show of bipartisanship, the House on July 15 passed a five-month extension of federal highway funding authority, giving the Senate less than two weeks to act on the measure before current authority expires.
Marten Transport, CSX Profits Rise 5%; Lower Fuel Prices Aid Both in 2nd Qtr.
Marten Transport Ltd. and CSX Corp. last week kicked off the reporting season for second-quarter earnings with each posting 5% growth in profits.
Gas Tops Diesel for First Time Since ’09 as Calif. Refinery Outages Pinch Supply
The national average price of diesel fuel fell below gasoline for the first time in almost six years after diesel dipped and soaring gas prices in California caused the fuel’s national figure to jump.
FedEx Ground Workers Win in Kansas, Are Deemed Employees by Appeals Court
A federal appeals court has ruled that about 500 FedEx Ground workers in Kansas were employees in the latest of a series of recent rulings on worker status.
NHTSA Requests Comment on Underride Guards
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on July 17 announced an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment on the cost benefits of underride guards on single-unit trucks.
Consumer Sentiment in US Backpedals Over Concerns About Economy
Consumer confidence declined in July on concerns global risks will dim prospects for the U.S. economy.
July 17, 2015FMCSA Rule Seeks to Assure Carriers That Proprietary Records Stay Private
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a final rule designed to reassure motor carriers that their confidential business information voluntarily given to the government for use in the federal rulemaking process will be protected from public disclosure.
FHWA Nominee Greg Nadeau Pledges to Improve Highway Safety
Greg Nadeau, the Obama administration’s pick to lead the Federal Highway Administration, told a Senate panel July 15 he would continue to improve safety on the country’s highways to reduce fatalities and injuries.