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, Business

Texas DOT Begins Refunding Bungled Toll Fees

The Texas Department of Transportation started mailing $1.5 million in refund checks to some tollway drivers who were overbilled, the Associated Press reported.

March 23, 2015

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.

Business, Safety, Government

Thune Wants CSA Overhaul

WASHINGTON — Sen. John Thune, chairman of the influential Commerce Committee, told Transport Topics last week he will introduce legislation to overhaul the government’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.

March 23, 2015
Business, Government, Safety, Autonomous

Booming Truck, Trailer Sales Stretch MATS Exhibit Space

Truck sales and orders suggest this could be the second-strongest year for North American heavy-duty vehicles on record, so the organizers of the Mid-America Trucking Show are paring the width of pedestrian aisles and chopping square footage for the food court to create more space for exhibitors.

March 23, 2015
Government, Business

FedEx’s Frederick Smith: ‘Good Chance’ Congress OKs 33-Foot Trailers

FedEx Corp. Chairman and CEO Frederick Smith said last week there is “a good chance” Congress this year will clear the way for longer trailers, which would further boost productivity.

March 23, 2015
Business, Government, Safety, Technology

Chassis Pool to Aid Cargo Flows Being Developed at N.Y., N.J. Port

A new chassis pool for the Port of New York and New Jersey meant to improve truckers’ equipment utilization and enhance cargo flow remains on track to start in the third quarter, a top regional official said.

March 23, 2015
Business, Fuel, Government

More States Increasing Fuel Taxes to Make Overdue Highway Repairs

A flurry of activity in statehouses to generate additional revenue for highway funding continued last week, as one governor signed legislation to increase fuel taxes and a second said he plans to sign a similar bill.

March 23, 2015
Business, Government, Safety, Autonomous

Driving Skill Outweighs Classroom Time for New Truckers, Training Experts Say

Getting students to demonstrate competence at necessary skills is a better way to train future truck drivers compared with setting standards for hours logged in classrooms, several driver-training professionals said during a Transport Topics Web broadcast.

March 23, 2015
Business, Safety, Government

State Leaders Pan Devolution, Press Congress for Highway Bill

WASHINGTON — A governor, a mayor and a state transportation director made the case before a House panel for federal transportation funding and against any notion that the states alone can maintain the nation’s infrastructure.

March 23, 2015
Business, Government, Autonomous

Bills Offer Hair-Testing Option to Check Drivers for Drug Use

Long-sought legislation by many in the trucking and safety communities to allow carriers to use hair testing in place of urinalysis to detect drug use in drivers was introduced in the U.S. House and Senate last week.

March 23, 2015
Business, Technology, Government, Autonomous

CSA App Sparks Controversy; GAO Official Concerned With Public Availability of Scores

The launch of a smartphone application that provides safety performance information on trucking and bus companies immediately sparked controversy last week.

March 23, 2015