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.
A Cautiously Rising Outlook
Yes, it’s still impossible to pay your bills with “cautious optimism.” But that state of mind is a lot better than what we were hearing just a few months ago when we asked any gathering of truckers about the outlook for their businesses.
November 23, 2009Heavy-Duty Truck Sales Decline for 10th Consecutive Month
U.S. Class 8 truck sales in October were 29.6% lower than year-ago levels, marking the 10th straight month this year that sales have trailed 2008’s results, according to data from WardsAuto.com.
November 23, 2009Fleets Turn to New Protective Measures as Thieves Become More Sophisticated
Security experts say cargo thieves are becoming more selective and organized, which is resulting in a more substantial average loss per incident. Now, fleets are fighting back with anti-theft devices, diligent drivers and increased collaboration.
November 23, 2009NTSB’s Hersman Urges EOBRs For All Commercial Trucks
WASHINGTON — The nation’s top transportation safety investigator said all commercial trucks should be outfitted with electronic onboard recorders to monitor driver hours.
November 23, 2009Long Beach Port Approves Registration Plan for Drayage Drivers as Part of ATA Deal
Commissioners with the Port of Long Beach, Calif., gave preliminary approval last week to a new drayage truck registration process, the first step toward meeting the obligations of their out-of-court settlement with American Trucking Associations.
November 23, 2009Boxer Says New Road Bill May Be Completed in Spring
WASHINGTON — The chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee said she was preparing to finish work on a new long-term highway bill by next spring while also seeking a six-month extension of the existing law.
November 23, 2009EPA Certifies 2010 Engines from Volvo, Mack Trucks
Federal and California environmental regulators have certified 2010 engines of AB Volvo’s two North American brands — Volvo and Mack — the companies said Nov. 16. They are the first engine manufacturers to gain official approval.
November 23, 2009Diesel Slips 1.1¢ to $2.79
The U.S. diesel and gasoline price averages both dipped for a second week, giving back some of the strong October surge in refined product costs during the four previous weeks. Crude oil fluctuated but remained below $80 a barrel.
November 23, 2009House Panel Approves Hazmat Safety Bill with Requirement for Wetlines Retrofits
The House Transportation Committee last week approved a bill that would prohibit the transport of flammable liquids in unprotected product piping on new cargo tankers in two years and in existing tankers by the end of 2025.
November 23, 2009Opinion: Optimize Routing and Assets
When large, corporate-owned fleets such as U.S. Foodservice and Wal-Mart Transportation were pressured by their owners to meet environmental sustainability goals even during the current faltering economy, it made the news.
November 20, 2009