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.
Oregon Eyes Tolling Portland Region’s Interstates
Oregon is asking for public input on a congestion pricing plan to impose tolls on all lanes of Portland’s two interstates that would result in commercial trucks paying higher rates than passenger vehicles.
TT Podcasts: RoadSigns
Check out Transport Topics' updated Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America, and explore how the industry's top players have adapted to a tough freight market and are preparing for the future.
STB Says ‘Train Noise’ Would Be Only Negative Impact of CP-KCS Merger
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis determined the only potential adverse impacts of Canadian Pacific’s proposed merger with Kansas City Southern would be train noise, according to the STB’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement released Aug. 5.
NHTSA Probes Tesla Crashes That Killed Two Motorcyclists
DETROIT — Two crashes involving Teslas apparently running on Autopilot are drawing scrutiny from federal regulators and point to a potential new hazard on U.S. freeways: The partially automated vehicles may not stop for motorcycles.
Labor Chief Sees No Sign of Strike, Lockout in West Coast Port Talks
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said he sees no signs of a strike or a lockout looming in the contract negotiations between dockworkers and employers at some of the nation’s most important ports, even as talks continue without a contract.
Democrats Say They’ve Reached Agreement on Economic Package
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats have agreed to eleventh-hour changes to their marquee economic legislation, they announced late Aug. 4, clearing the major impediment to pushing one of President Joe Biden’s paramount election-year priorities through the chamber in coming days.
Employers Added 528,000 Jobs in July
WASHINGTON — America’s hiring boom continued last month as employers added a surprising 528,000 jobs despite raging inflation and rising anxiety about a recession.
Senate Votes to Overturn Biden Environmental Rule
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Aug. 4 voted to overturn a Biden administration rule requiring rigorous environmental review of major infrastructure projects such as highways, pipelines and oil wells.
ATA’s Chris Spear Optimistic About Trucking Economy, R.I. Tolling Verdict
American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear said the trucking industry continues to show resilience despite challenges in the U.S. economy, marked by two straight quarters of negative gross domestic product and interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve that aim to slow decades-high rates of inflation.
August 4, 2022Senate Debates Freight-Centered Budget Bill
Legislation that aims to reduce emissions at commercial ports and freight corridors is topping Senate Democrats’ legislative priorities ahead of the upcoming congressional summer recess.
FMCSA Nominee Robin Hutcheson Awaits Senate Confirmation
President Joe Biden’s pick to oversee federal trucking regulations is awaiting a confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate.