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.
Service Industries Grow at Fastest Pace Since August
Service industries expanded in May at the fastest pace in nine months as orders picked up, indicating improving sales will help the U.S. economy strengthen.
June 4, 2014Daily 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.
Ferro Tells Senate Panel HOS Rules are Working
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro told a Senate panel that the agency knew its new hours-of-service rules would affect trucking’s productivity but that data is expected to show the HOS rules are increasing safety.
Transportation Programs Need Long-Term Funding, Says DOT’s Mendez
ARLINGTON, Va. — Acting Deputy Transportation Secretary Victor Mendez on June 3 cautioned Congress against approving a short-term legislative fix to address looming shortfalls in highway funding this summer, urging it to approve a long-term “strategic” plan instead.
Shuster Pushes for Extension of MAP-21
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster said an extension of MAP-21 rather than a new long-term bill transportation bill is the best course of action this year, given the Highway Trust Fund crisis.
Sen. Collins to Call for Changes to HOS Rule at Hearing Today
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is expected to offer an amendment today to a fiscal 2015 transportation funding bill that would address what her staff said are the unintended consequences of a federal truck safety rule that is opposed by much of the industry.
Senate Subcommittee Approves $54.4 Billion Transportation, Housing Spending Bill
Senate appropriators on June 3 easily approved a $54.4 billion spending bill that would fund transportation and housing programs in fiscal 2015, and boost funding for a popular infrastructure grant program.
FMCSA Proposes to Accept Modifications to Carrier, Driver Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on June 3 announced proposed changes to its inspection data system that will accept modifications to motor carrier or driver citations and violations that a court has dismissed or issued a finding of not guilty.
Democrats Dismiss Proposal to End Saturday Mail Delivery
Democrats have dismissed a proposal by House Republicans to end Saturday mail delivery and make other changes at the U.S. Post Office in order to come up with money to shore up the Highway Trust Fund.
AASHTO Presses Congress to Act on Highway Trust Fund Crisis
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials passed a resolution that calls on Congress to address the funding crisis facing the Highway Trust Fund this summer.
Elephants Take Truck Odyssey from Calgary to D.C. Zoo
A pair of North American zoos used two tractors pulling drop-deck trailers to carry a trio of female Asian elephants to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., from Calgary, Alberta, quickly and in comfort.
June 2, 2014