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.

Business, Government

Oil Falls Below $66 a Barrel

Oil prices continued their recent slide, falling $3 Thursday to close below $66 a barrel, Bloomberg reported.

September 24, 2009

TT Podcasts: RoadSigns

Volvo's Chayene de Souza and Magnus Gustafson discuss how new, connected trucks can boost business, enhance safety practices, and reinforce preventative maintenance plans.

Government, Business, Safety

FMCSA Nominee Ferro Faces Questions in Confirmation Hearing

Anne Ferro, the Obama administration’s pick to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, faced tough questioning in a Wednesday hearing from a key Senator over her trucking industry background, the Associated Press reported.

September 24, 2009
Business, Fuel, Government

FedEx, DHL Express Boost Air Capacity

DHL Express and FedEx Express each said this week they have taken delivery of new, larger freight aircraft.

September 24, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

I-20 Reopens in Georgia Following Floods

The Georgia Department of Transportation has reopened Interstate 20 through several counties that were flooded earlier this week, making the highway impassible, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

September 23, 2009
Government, Business

Wednesday Senate Hearing Set for FMCSA Nominee Anne Ferro

The Senate Commerce Committee will review the nomination of Anne Ferro to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at a Wednesday afternoon hearing in Washington.

September 23, 2009
Government, Business

FMCSA Chief: Mexico Plan Coming

Rose McMurray, acting head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, told Transport Topics the agency was hopeful of finding a resolution to the ongoing trade row between the U.S. and Mexico over longhaul truck access.

Sean McNally | Staff Reporter
September 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

Senate Passes DOT Approps Bill, Retains Maine Weight Provision

The Senate approved legislation increasing the funding for the Department of Transportation in 2010, leaving in a provision that would allow Maine to increase the weight limit on Interstate 95 to 100,000 pounds.

Sean McNally | Staff Reporter
September 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

Diesel Mechanic Shortage Looms When Boomer Technicians Retire

A good portion of diesel mechanics today are baby boomers, and with the boomers reaching retirement age between 2010 and 2030, industry experts are predicting that a severe diesel mechanic shortage is on the horizon.

September 22, 2009
Government, Business, Safety

House Panel Develops Highway Law Extension

The House transportation committee is preparing a short-term extension of the current highway funding law, while continuing work on a long-term replacement for the legislation that expires in less than two weeks.

September 22, 2009
Business, Fuel, Safety, Government, Logistics

Maryland Releases First Freight Transportation Plan

The Obama administration last week issued its proposed new fuel efficiency and first-ever national greenhouse gases reduction standards for passenger cars and light trucks.

September 22, 2009