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.
New Home Sales Plunge 16.6% in Biggest Drop Since ’94
New home sales fell in January by 16.6%, the biggest drop since 1994, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
February 28, 2007Security & Safety Briefs — Feb. 22 - Feb. 28
U.S. Delays Border Inspection Fees • Charleston Port Sets New Security System • Oshkosh Wins $878 Million Army Contract • Survey Highlights Traffic Congestion Concern
February 28, 2007Fourth-Quarter GDP Revised Downward to 2.2%
The U.S. economy grew at a rate of 2.2% in the fourth quarter, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, in lowering its earlier estimate of 3.5%.
February 28, 2007Transportation Stocks Take Hit in Market Tumble
Transportation stocks, including airlines, trucking companies and railroads, were among the hardest hit in Tuesday’s stock market tumble, the Associated Press reported.
February 28, 2007Oberstar Suggests Size Test
WASHINGTON — Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), a key transportation legislator and a longtime opponent of increasing truck sizes and weights, told Transport Topics he would now support a pilot study of larger vehicles on U.S. highways.
Trucking: Don’t Include CBs in Laws Banning Cellphones
Trucking executives said efforts to ban the use of cellular phones from the nation’s highways would receive industry support as long as state laws do not also ban two-way radios and satellite communication devices.
FedEx to Upgrade Retirement Plans for Most Employees
FedEx Corp. said Tuesday it has set new measures aimed at modernizing the retirement plans for most of its employees, including enhancing its 401(k) plans.
February 27, 2007January Truck Tonnage Index Declines 3.6%, ATA Says
American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted truck tonnage index fell 3.6% in January following an increase in December, ATA said Tuesday.
February 27, 2007Diesel Price Jumps 6 Cents to $2.551 in Fourth Straight Gain
Retail diesel fuel’s national average price rose for a fourth straight week, jumping 6 cents to $2.551 a gallon, the Department of Energy said Monday.
February 27, 2007Quality Distribution’s 4Q Income Flat; Full-Year Improves
Tank truck carrier Quality Distribution’s fourth-quarter profit was $6.2 million or 31 cents a share, compared with $6.2 million or 32 cents for the previous fourth quarter.
February 27, 2007