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.
Yellen Confirmed to Head Federal Reserve
In its first confirmation vote of the New Year, the U.S. Senate approved Janet Yellen to head the Federal Reserve.
Trade Deficit Declines to Four-Year Low
The U.S. trade deficit declined in November to a four-year low, the Commerce Department reported Jan. 7.
January 7, 2014Factory Orders Rise in November
Factory orders increased 1.8% in November, the Commerce Department reported Jan. 6.
January 6, 2014ISM Services Index Declines in December
An index of the U.S. economy’s service sector decreased in December, the Institute for Supply Management reported Jan. 6.
January 6, 2014Trucking, Suppliers Continue to Await Release of E-Logging Rule by FMCSA
The trucking industry and makers of electronic logging devices started 2014 braced for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to publish its long-awaited rule.
January 6, 2014Trailer Orders Rise 16.7% to Highest in 11 Months
November trailer orders climbed 16.7% from a year earlier to 25,670 as the U.S. economy continued to improve, yielding the strongest monthly total in nearly a year, ACT Research reported.
January 6, 2014Cuomo Moves Deadline to Decide on N.Y. Independent Contractor Bill
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has used a legislative loophole to extend the time he has to consider a bill that would redefine trucking independent contractors under state law.
January 2, 2014Trottenberg Leaves DOT for NYC Post
Polly Trottenberg, undersecretary for policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will leave that post to become New York City’s transportation commissioner under new Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Connecticut Snow-Removal Law Takes Effect
Truckers running in Connecticut who cause injury or damage because they failed to remove snow or ice from their vehicles could now be hit with large fines.
Mich., N.J., Vermont Declare HOS Waivers
Three states — Michigan, New Jersey and Vermont — have suspended parts of the federal driver hours-of-service rule due to an ongoing propane shortage.