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

Obama Signs Nat Gas Tax-Extenders Legislation

President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill that will allow fleets that purchase new trucks or use natural gas to reap large tax credits.

December 29, 2014

TT Podcasts: RoadSigns

Volvo's Chayene de Souza and Magnus Gustafson discuss how new, connected trucks can boost business, enhance safety practices, and reinforce preventative maintenance plans.

Government

Economy Grows by Most in a Decade on Consumer-Spending Gain

The world’s largest economy surged in the third quarter, expanding at the fastest pace in more than a decade, as U.S. consumers and businesses spent more than previously estimated.

Michelle Jamrisko | Bloomberg News
December 23, 2014
Government, Business

Commercial Vehicle Demand Softens in China, ACT Reports

The pace of China’s economy tapered in the third quarter, leading to a slower rate of growth in truck demand, according to the most recent quarterly China Commercial Vehicle Outlook, published jointly by ACT Research Co. and China’s State Information Center.

Michael G. Malloy | Web Editor
December 22, 2014
Government, Business

HOS Restart Change Is Law

The trucking industry’s long-sought suspension of last year’s changes to the hours-of-service restart provision became reality last week as President Obama signed a $1 trillion fiscal 2015 funding bill.

December 22, 2014
Government, Business

Fatalities From Large-Truck Crashes Up Just Slightly in '13, Says NHTSA Report

U.S. fatalities from crashes involving large trucks increased by 0.5% in 2013, rising to 3,964 from 3,944 people the year before, according to a Dec. 19 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
December 19, 2014
Government, Business, Safety, Autonomous

Mary Phillips Joins Subcommittee on Highways and Transit

Mary Phillips, a former senior vice president for Legislative Affairs for American Trucking Associations, is joining the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit as a senior professional staff member.

December 19, 2014
Government

DOT Awards $2 Million to Assist California Repair of Flood-Damaged Roads

The federal Department of Transportation is sending California $2 million to assist communities in repairing  roads damaged by recent floods.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
December 18, 2014
Government

Super-Heavy Trucks Can Stay on U.S. 41

On his way out the door toward retirement, Rep. Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) included a technical provision in “Cromnibus” that allows trucks to keep using U.S. 41, the main highway between Milwaukee and Green Bay.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
December 18, 2014
Government, Business

FMCSA’s Website Updates HOS Enforcement Guidance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration updated its website on Dec. 17 to reflect the recent suspension of parts of its hours of service rule, a change that took effect when President Obama signed a $1 trillion bill into law Dec. 16.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
December 18, 2014
Government, Business

Cuomo to Ban Fracking; Health Officials Call It Unsafe

The New York state Health Department said fracking for natural gas can’t be done safely, dooming prospects that Governor Andrew Cuomo will end a six-year moratorium.

December 18, 2014