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

Fourth-Quarter GDP Grew 0.6%

The U.S. economy grew at a 0.6 % annual growth rate in the fourth quarter, unchanged two preliminary estimates, according to a final figure issued Thursday by the Commerce Department.

March 27, 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, Fuel, Equipment, Government, Technology, Safety

Cummins Releases CARB-Compliant APU

Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. Wednesday unveiled two new auxiliary power unit systems that are compliant with new California Air Resources Board idle-reduction regulations.

March 26, 2008
Business, Fuel, Government

Oil Jumps Following DOE Report

Crude oil prices jumped more than $4 a barrel Wednesday after a Department of Energy report showed declines in gasoline and distillate inventories, the Associated Press reported.

March 26, 2008
Business, Government

New Home Sales Fall 1.8% to 13-Year Low

New home sales fell to a 13-year low in February, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

March 26, 2008
Business, Government, Safety

FMCSA May Soon Set Sleep Apnea Standards, Paper Says

An effort to curb drowsiness among truck drivers could gain ground next month when a review panel acts on medical findings regarding sleep apnea, USA Today reported Wednesday.

March 26, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

Peters Touts Cross-Border Program’s Benefits to Agricultural Exporters

Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the government’s cross-border trucking program with Mexico was essential for helping U.S. agricultural exports.

March 26, 2008
Business, Government

Durable Goods Orders Fall 1.7%

Durable goods orders fell 1.7% in February, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

March 26, 2008
Business, Safety, Government

Truckers’ Seat Belt Usage Hits Record 65%, DOT Says

The number of professional truck drivers using safety belts jumped dramatically last year to a record 65%, the Department of Transportation said Tuesday.

March 25, 2008
Fuel, Business, Logistics, Government

Diesel Gains 1.5¢ to $3.989; Gas Dips Following Records

The average national price of retail diesel fuel rose 1.5 cents to $3.989 for a fifth consecutive record, while gasoline’s price declined, the Department of Energy said Monday.

March 25, 2008
Business, Government

Hino’s Outlook Rises on Asian, Latin America Sales

Hino Motors Ltd., Japan’s largest maker of heavy-duty trucks, said its operating profit probably beat its own forecast by 4.5% because of higher international sales in Asia and Latin America, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

March 25, 2008