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, Business

Boxer Proposes Eliminating, Replacing Fuel Tax

The chairwoman of the Senate committee that will write the next highway bill said she wants to end the per-gallon federal  fuel taxes Americans pay at the pump.

Michele Fuetsch | Staff Reporter
September 26, 2013

Daily 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.

Government

U.S. Postal Service Wants First Class Stamp Hike

The financially strapped U.S. Postal Service wants to raise the price of a first-class stamp to 49 cents, Bloomberg News reported.

September 26, 2013
Government

Second-Quarter GDP Rises 2.5%

The U.S. economy rose at a 2.5% annual rate in the second quarter from a 1.1% growth rate in the year’s first three months, the Commerce Department said Sept. 26.

September 26, 2013
Government

N.Y. Prosecutors Settle With Trucker on Untaxed Cigarette Accusations

Four New York state prosecutors said they will not prosecute an Ohio-based trucking company for allegedly carrying untaxed cigarettes after the company agreed to take measures to avoid the practice.

September 25, 2013
Government, Business, Safety

Hazmat Carriers Would Lose Authority for Not Paying Fines Under Proposal

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed a rule that would strip hazardous materials motor carriers their operating authority if they fail to pay civil penalties within 90 days.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
September 24, 2013
Government

FMCSA Shuts Down Texas Carrier Redco Transport

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ordered Texas-based Redco Transport Inc. to stop operations, declaring the company an “imminent hazard to public safety,” it said Sept. 24.

Brandon Green | Staff Reporter
September 24, 2013
Government

Rule Aims to Reduce Truck-Train Crashes

After a nearly two-decade delay, federal regulators announced a final rule Sept. 24 that will prohibit commercial motor vehicle drivers from entering onto a highway-rail grade crossing unless there is sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping.

Eric Miller | Senior Reporter
September 24, 2013
Government, Safety

House to Vote on Sleep Apnea Bill; Senators Introduce Similar Legislation

The House is scheduled to vote Sept. 26 on a bill that would require any federal regulatory action on sleep apnea testing and treatment to go through the formal rulemaking process.

September 24, 2013
Editorial, Government

Editorial: Cheers for FMCSA

We applaud the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for its decisions last week to scrap its proposed rule on truck driver training standards and to proceed with a formal rulemaking on sleep apnea testing.

September 23, 2013
Business, Government

Motor Carriers, Shippers Honor Drivers During Nationwide Appreciation Week

Carriers, shippers, associations and other trucking-related organizations last week honored the millions of drivers who move goods as part of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

September 23, 2013