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, Safety, Government

Highway Trust Fund Needs $8 Billion Bailout, DOT Says

The Highway Trust Fund needs an $8 billion transfusion from the U.S. Treasury’s general fund in order to avoid an imminent deficit, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said Friday during a conference call.

September 5, 2008

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.

Business, Safety, Government

Louisiana, Mississippi Get $4 Million for Emergency Repairs

The federal government will provide $4 million in emergency relief funds to Louisiana and Mississippi to help repair roads and bridges damaged by floods caused by Hurricane Gustav, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said Friday.

September 5, 2008
Fuel, Business, Government

Consumer Confidence Jumps on Lower Fuel Prices

U.S. consumer confidence this month rose by the most in four years in September, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary monthly consumer sentiment index, released Friday.

September 5, 2008
Business, Government

N.J. Turnpike Authority Calls for Toll Hikes

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority asked Gov. Jon Corzine (D) to approve a series of toll increases on two of the state’s major toll roads to pay for infrastructure improvements, the Associated Press reported.

September 5, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

TTNews to Close Monday for Labor Day

Transport Topics Online will be closed Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Please check back on Tuesday, Sept. 8, for the latest trucking and freight transportation news.

September 4, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

ISM Services Index Shows Expansion in August

The U.S. economy’s service sector expanded in August following two straight months of contraction, the Institute for Supply Management said Thursday.

September 4, 2008
Government, Business, Safety

Second-Quarter Productivity Rises 4.3%

Second-quarter U.S. worker productivity rose at a 4.3% annual rate, more than previously estimated, the Labor Department said Thursday.

September 4, 2008
Government, Business, Safety

Navistar Reports $272 Million 3Q Profit

Navistar International Corp. earned $272 million for its fiscal third quarter and boosted its full-year earnings forecast, the company said late Wednesday.

September 4, 2008
Business, Safety, Government, Autonomous

Fed ‘Beige Book’ Cites Continuing Economic Sluggishness

U.S. economic activity, including trucking and freight transportation, was sluggish in July and August, according to a Federal Reserve report released Wednesday.

September 3, 2008
Government, Business, Safety

FMCSA Waives Hours Regs for Gulf States Drivers

Motor carriers and drivers providing emergency in areas affected by Hurricane Gustav will be relieved federal hours-of-service regulations, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration said.

September 3, 2008