Check out the latest podcast episode of our RoadSigns programs. Check back here often as new content is always being added!
Government
About Government News...
Government, Business, Technology, Safety, Logistics, Autonomous
The Port of Virginia received $2.1 million to assist in efforts to make the terminal “autonomous truck ready,” according to FHWA’s announcement. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg News)
FHWA Awards Grant Supporting AV Truck Project at Port of Virginia
The Port of Virginia received $2.1 million to assist in efforts to make the terminal “autonomous truck ready,” according to FHWA’s announcement. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg News)
The Federal Highway Administration recently awarded $49.6 million to support projects that incorporate transportation-related technologies.
January 6, 2021
Government, Business, Breaking News
John Sommers II for Transport Topics
Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Independent Contractor Status
John Sommers II for Transport Topics
The U.S. Department of Labor on Jan. 6 issued a final rule revising its interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act that it said will “promote certainty for stakeholders, reduce litigation and encourage innovation in the economy.”
January 6, 2021
Government, Business, Fuel
A row of unsold 2020 pickup trucks sits at a Ram dealership in Colorado in December 2020. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)
For First Time in Five Years, US Gas Mileage Down, Emissions Up
A row of unsold 2020 pickup trucks sits at a Ram dealership in Colorado in December 2020. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)
A new government report says gas mileage for new vehicles dropped and pollution increased in model year 2019 for the first time in five years.
January 6, 2021
Government, Business, Fuel, Logistics
An oil pumping jack operates in Texas. (Matthew Busch/Bloomberg News)
US Imports No Saudi Crude Oil for First Time in 35 Years
An oil pumping jack operates in Texas. (Matthew Busch/Bloomberg News)
The U.S. didn’t import any Saudi crude the week of Dec. 28 for the first time in 35 years, a reversal from just months ago when the Kingdom threatened to upend the American energy industry by unleashing a tsunami of exports into a market decimated by the pandemic.
January 6, 2021
Government, Business, Safety
Lobster represents an important aspect of Maine’s economy. According to the Maine Lobstering Union, harvesters in the state landed 101.7 million pounds in 2019, a haul valued at $485.4 million. (WoodysPhotos/Getty Images)
Maine Lawmakers Petition FMCSA Regarding Lobster Transport
Lobster represents an important aspect of Maine’s economy. According to the Maine Lobstering Union, harvesters in the state landed 101.7 million pounds in 2019, a haul valued at $485.4 million. (WoodysPhotos/Getty Images)
In an effort to ease the commercial transport of lobster, a group of Maine lawmakers submitted a request to federal government officials asking to clarify the definition of “livestock” in a recently issued interim final rule.
January 6, 2021
Government, Business, Technology, Safety
Siri Stafford/Getty Images
Industry Comments Support FHWA Proposal on Infrastructure Design Standards
Siri Stafford/Getty Images
Public comments submitted to the Federal Highway Administration regarding a recent proposal that would allow more flexibility with design standards when repairing highways and interstates reflect an overwhelming show of support from industry groups and transportation agencies.
January 6, 2021
Government, Business, Technology
NASEM TRB via YouTube
TRB Hosting Virtual Annual Conference
NASEM TRB via YouTube
The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on transportation modes, the role of transit, and technological advancements will dominate this year’s annual conference of the Transportation Research Board.
January 5, 2021
Government, Business
Dave Manning at an industry show in 2015. Manning in 2017-18 served as ATA’s 73rd chairman. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Former ATA Chairman Dave Manning Retires From TCW
Dave Manning at an industry show in 2015. Manning in 2017-18 served as ATA’s 73rd chairman. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
After more than three decades working for Nashville, Tenn.-based motor carrier TCW — including a more than 20-year stint as its president — as well as a year as chairman of American Trucking Associations, Dave Manning has decided to retire.
January 5, 2021
Government, Business, Equipment, Safety
An underride rear guard installed on a Stoughton trailer. FMCSA said including rear impact guards in the periodic inspection requirements will call additional attention to the critical safety component. (Joseph Terry/Transport Topics)
FMCSA Proposes to Add Truck Rear Underride Guards to Safety Checklist
An underride rear guard installed on a Stoughton trailer. FMCSA said including rear impact guards in the periodic inspection requirements will call additional attention to the critical safety component. (Joseph Terry/Transport Topics)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule amending federal safety regulations to specifically add rear impact guards as a required item on the list of annual inspections for motor carriers and roadside inspectors.
January 5, 2021
Government, Business
A worker places a sole on a leather boot at a factory in Omaha, Neb. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg News)
US Manufacturing Gauge Expands at Fastest Pace Since 2018
A worker places a sole on a leather boot at a factory in Omaha, Neb. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg News)
A measure of U.S. manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in more than two years, bolstered by a pickup in new orders and the strongest growth in production since 2011.
January 5, 2021