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.
Takeover Target USA Truck Sues Knight
USA Truck Inc. has sued Knight Transportation, which is trying to acquire USA Truck, for breach of contract, claiming that Knight breached a confidentiality agreement between the two companies.
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Bill Seeks Evaluation of TWIC Program
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (R-Texas), has introduced legislation to require the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to complete a “comprehensive security assessment” of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program.
October 10, 2013Obama Nominates Yellen as Fed Chairwoman
President Obama nominated Janet Yellen, the Federal Reserve’s vice chairwoman, to be the first female chairwoman of the nation’s central bank, the Associated Press reported.
October 9, 2013IMF Cuts Global Growth Forecast Amid Uncertainty in U.S.
The International Monetary Fund cut its global outlook for this year and next, warning that a U.S. government default could seriously damage the world economy, Bloomberg News reported.
October 9, 2013Federal Officers May Open In-Transit Packages Under PHMSA Rule
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a rule reaffirming that agency inspectors have the right to open in-transit packages that they suspect do not comply with hazmat regulations or present a potential safety hazard.
Montana Truck Inspectors to Get Guns
The Montana Department of Transportation has authorized issuing guns to some commercial vehicle inspectors, a decision that has drawn opposition from the state’s trucking industry.
Senate Passes Sleep Apnea Bill
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration would be blocked from implementing or enforcing regulations on sleep disorders of commercial truck drivers that are not adopted in a rulemaking process under a Senate-passed bill that has been sent to President Obama for his signature, Bloomberg News reported.
October 7, 2013Gasoline Price Falls 13.8 Cents, Lundberg Survey Says
Gasoline’s national average price decreased 13.8 cents in the past two weeks to $3.383 a gallon, according to the latest Lundberg Survey of filling stations.
October 7, 2013Editorial: Not Much Harm — Yet
The opening days of the sad soap opera being played out on Capitol Hill apparently did little damage to the nation’s freight distribution system, according to what industry executives told our reporters last week.
October 7, 2013FMCSA Reaffirms Tank Rule Boosting Driver Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule that reaffirms an earlier requirement that truck drivers who haul bulk containers totaling at least 1,000 gallons of liquid obtain tank endorsements.
October 7, 2013