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.
NHTSA Investigating Michelin Steer Tire
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation of a specific Michelin steer tire for use in autohauler rigs that led to six complaints from truck operators who said the tires were involved in seven accidents.
TSA Administrator Pistole to Retire Dec. 31
Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole will retire effective Dec. 31 from the post he has held the past 4½ years, TSA announced Oct. 16.
Operation Safe Driver Week Kicks Off Oct. 19
Law enforcement agencies across North America beginning Oct. 19 will conduct heightened traffic safety enforcement and education.
Poll: 80% Don’t Want Truckers’ Restricted Driving Hours Relaxed
A new poll commissioned by a coalition of advocacy groups found that 80% of Americans believe Congress should not raise the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road to 82 hours from 70. ATA calls the results misleading.
Economy Expands Modestly as Transportation Sector Grows, Fed Says
The economy continued to expand modestly from late August to early October as the transportation services sector generally grew, the Federal Reserve said.
October 16, 2014FMCSA Allows Mexican Carriers to Continue U.S. Operations, Post-Pilot Program
Mexico-based trucks that participated in the U.S. Transportation Department’s cross-border pilot program will be allowed to continue operating north of the border even though the three-year program ended Oct. 14, a spokeswoman said.
October 15, 2014Crumbling Infrastructure Fix Seen With Global Trillions of Dollars
The concrete piers of two new bridges are rising out of the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky, and southern Indiana, as crews blast limestone and move earth to build the roads and tunnels that will soon connect the twin spans to nearby interstate highways.
October 15, 2014Lack of Federal Funds Hinders Plans for Highway Spending, States Say
When Mike Hancock surveys Kentucky’s highway network, he casts a worried eye on its major freight routes — interstates 65, 71 and 75.
October 13, 20142Q Truckload Driver Turnover Hits 2-Year High, ATA Reports
Truckload driver turnover hit a two-year high on both a year-over-year and sequential basis in the second quarter, American Trucking Associations reported last week, as the migration to more attractive jobs inside and outside trucking accelerated.
October 13, 2014Conflicting Decisions on Proper Classification of Contractors Could Wind Up in Supreme Court
Conflicting appeals and state court and National Labor Relations Board decisions on when independent contractors should be reclassified as employees ultimately could help persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to review the controversial issue that some carriers say threatens the contractor business model.
October 13, 2014