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.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Eyes Chattanooga as Testing Ground for Driverless Trucking
Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s new director said Aug. 23 the lab is considering testing in Chattanooga related to autonomous driving and long-haul trucking.
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Bridge Monitoring Aided by Sensor Technology
Bridge sensor systems are becoming integrated in the engineering and construction of spans across the country to monitor everything from load stress to movement.
Safety Organizations Split $4 Million Federal Grant for Hazmat Training
Six safety groups were awarded a grant of more than $4 million by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for training programs.
R.I. Trucking Issues 'Call to Arms' Over Route Restrictions
The Rhode Island State Traffic Commission’s recent denial of a request to restrict tractor-trailers from certain secondary roads will galvanize companies to stand up against such regulations during the commission’s next hearing, said Chris Maxwell, president of the Rhode Island Trucking Association.
Four Former Pilot Executives Set for Trial Oct. 31
More than four years after an FBI raid on the headquarters of Pilot Flying J, the exhaustive investigation into a diesel fuel rebate fraud could be nearing its end come Oct. 31.
EPA Plan to Revisit GHG Phase 2 Raises Questions
Less than five months from the starting date of Phase 2 of the federal rule on GHG emissions from trucks, a statement from EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on his plan to revisit the regulation’s sections on trailers and glider kits has created confusion and uncertainty.
North American Trade Reps Start Talks on NAFTA Overhaul
Trade representatives from the United States, Canada and Mexico have begun talks aimed at resetting terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, a process that is expected to take many months to conclude and which could have profound implications for freight carriers and the supply chain operations of companies in all three countries.
Driverless Vehicles of the Future Confront Rules Written for Drivers
When the U.S. government finally got around to regulating auto safety in 1967, it insisted that every car have seatbelts and that the steering column be engineered to absorb impact so it wouldn’t spear the driver.
House to Take Up Meal, Rest Break Provision in September
House Republican leaders have signaled a willingness to ensure nationwide uniformity of meal and rest break rules for truckers when they consider a fiscal 2018 funding bill on the chamber’s floor as early as September.
Fuel Economy Improves for 9th Straight Year, NACFE Study Finds
Nineteen fleets tracked by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency showed fuel efficiency improvements last year, for the ninth straight year, but the gain was just 1% year-over-year as some fleets dropped certain fuel-saving technologies and as other factors such as extreme summer heat played a role in fuel consumption.