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, Technology

Senators Seek Permitting Reforms For Rail Projects

Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) have introduced the Track, Railroad, and Infrastructure Network (TRAIN) Act, which they said would streamline the environmental permitting process for rail projects.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 19, 2015
Government, Business

Trucking’s Share of Nafta Trade Rose 4.5% Last Year

Trucks carried the largest amount of trade among North American Free Trade Partners last year, with trucking trade rising 4.5% from 2013 to $715 billion, the Department of Transportation reported.

Michael G. Malloy | Web Editor
March 18, 2015
Government, Business

Legislation Aims to Boost Transportation Funds at Local Level

Local governments would be able to access more federal funds under a bipartisan bill unveiled this week in the Senate.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 18, 2015
Government

State Officials Plead for Continued Federal Role in Transportation

WASHINGTON — State and local officials made the case before a House panel for federal transportation funding and against any notion the states alone can maintain the nation’s road and transit system.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 17, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

House Budget Expands States’ Say on Transportation

House Republicans’ budget blueprint unveiled March 17 would enhance states’ control over critical highway projects, and it would establish a reserve fund to develop proposals for bringing surface-transportation legislation to passage.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 17, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

Arkansas Lawmakers Approve Liability Protection for Truckers

Arkansas is poised to become the 42nd state to pass a law protecting truckers from having to sign contracts that require them to assume all liability for accidents regardless of who is to blame.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 17, 2015
Government

Sen. John Thune to Introduce CSA Reform Legislation Soon

WASHINGTON — Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) soon will unveil legislation that would reform the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, the senator told Transport Topics.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
March 17, 2015
Government, Business, Safety

Senate Confirms Carlos Monje Jr. for Assistant Secretary of Transportation

The U.S. Senate voted 94-0 on March 16 to approve the nomination of Carlos Monje Jr. be assistant secretary of Transportation for Policy.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
March 17, 2015
Government, Business, Technology, Autonomous

FMCSA Offers App for Truck Safety Information

Safety performance information on trucking and bus companies is available through a new smart phone application authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

March 17, 2015
Government, Business

ATA, Nearly 40 Others Pressure Congress Not to 'Devolve' Federal Transportation Funding

American Trucking Associations and nearly 40 other trade groups and businesses have sent a letter calling on Congress to pass a long-term transportation bill while opposing any move toward devolution.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
March 16, 2015