U.S. Department of Transportation

Labor groups tell DOT that automated vehicle policy should not be based on industry self-regulation.

Hong Kong has ratcheted up quarantine requirements on inbound pilots, escalating tensions with the U.S. and impacting the operations of express carriers UPS and FedEx.

Peter DeFazio, a top transportation lawmaker, wants the Federal Communications Commission to rethink adopting rules that experts say would hinder trucking automation.

A DOT autonomous trucking technology study downplays concerns raised by the FMCSA.

Michael Chaves, the former owner of a vehicle-transport carrier, gets 30 months in prison for forging DOT documents and failing to maintain driver certifications.

Carriers should begin planning now to influence policy change that could result from Biden’s supply chain executive order, industry observers say.

Understanding trucking automation’s effect on the trucker workforce is a priority for the Biden administration, an FMCSA official asserts.

An investigation of the former DOT secretary highlights the need to restore trust in the federal infrastructure grant process.

Biden’s executive order seeks short-term and long-term review of critical supply chains.

Together for Safer Roads President David Braunstein discusses the potential Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan holds for safer freight movement.

Consumer Brands Association study calls for establishing a federal Office of Supply Chain to coordinate public-private strategies.

A change in political direction – and ongoing concerns – greet 10 Biden picks who will deal with freight issues.

Washington appeals court asked to place in abeyance HOS review for 60 days due to the new administration.

Proposed mandatory guidelines to hair test for drugs could change — or see a lengthy delay.

President Biden has pledged to pump funding into state and local agencies in a bid to make last-mile freight delivery smarter and safer.

Pete Buttigieg wants to push through an infrastructure package that links highway funding to electric vehicles and climate policy.

CDC implements President Biden’s executive order on mask requirements at transport hubs.

Sen. Maria Cantwell seeks COVID-19 vaccine priority for the food transportation sector.

DOT announces slate of 40 to the department’s leadership team as the Biden administration kicks into gear.

Former DOT secretaries weigh in on Polly Trottenberg, Biden’s choice for deputy secretary of transportation.

A Democratic “trifecta” in Washington could finally push a long-term infrastructure past the finish line.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse penalties of up to $5,833 issued by FMCSA are more than double what had been used as guidance over the past two years

DOT Chief Elaine Chao announced a plan for autonomous vehicles on her last day at the department.

DOT Secretary Elaine Chao emailed a farewell letter to employees on Friday detailing her resignation and COVID-19 challenges.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is first cabinet head to quit after storming of U.S. Capitol.

Transit projects are expected to take on more importance than new construction in Joe Biden’s administration.

The coronavirus pandemic created a traffic shift — from highways to the internet — as citizens shelter in place.

Cybersecurity skills are among the gaps identified in GAO review of DOT’s workforce.

The rule is designed to ease testing delays and eliminate inconvenience and expense for new drivers.

Freight rail groups and others congratulate the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, on his nomination to lead DOT; also, U.S. weekly rail volumes rise nearly 5% year-over-year

President-elect Joe Biden has nominated former South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg, who dropped out of 2020 presidential campaign earlier this year and endorsed Biden, as secretary of transportation. “I […]

Safety requirements established for potential shipping hazards.

Big-city Mayors Garcetti and Emanuel are receiving much of the speculation for DOT secretary.

A couple of South Florida air charter companies hoped to fly care packages to Cuba, but the U.S. State Department and some cargo rivals opposed their effort for different reasons.

UPS and Volvo Group concerned about changes proposed by regulators.

The U.S. Department of Transportation hopes the changes will help more short line and regional railroads modernize and upgrade their infrastructure.

$4.9 billion funded through FHWA road and bridge emergency program so far under Trump administration.

When evaluating empty-mile data, comparisons are not necessarily apples to apples.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $1 billion in BUILD grants. A handful of those grants went to projects improving freight rail traffic flows.

$305 billion, five-year FAST Act is set to expire Sept. 30.

ATA has “serious concerns” with HHS proposal, saying it adds burden for carriers already using hair testing.

National Multimodal Freight Network expected to be released later this year.

Trucking, medical groups warn of safety risks if CDL limits are rolled back.

Environmental groups and several states have filed lawsuits against regulation governing liquefied natural gas by rail over environmental and safety concerns.

Tensions between the U.S. and China are high on a number of trade, diplomatic and security fronts but are easing when it comes to air travel. Both governments are now allowing more flights from each country.

Human error-related insurance claims represented over $1.6 billion in losses, according to insurance report.

Project considered critical to developing federal safety standards and guidelines.

Nearly 45,000 drivers predicted to be shut out in 2020 due to drugs and alcohol.

Agency estimates $4 billion in cost savings from hours-of-service changes.

A Bermuda-based airline sees a business opportunity with the COVID pandemic and is jumping into the cargo market.

Facing possible FMCSA action, brokers contend responsibility for nonpayment of motor carrier claims should fall on financial backers.

“Freedom of the Skies” is tempered by landing slots at airports, which are controlled by the governments the airports are in. In the high-stakes world of air cargo, landing slots are very valuable. Learn more in Darren Prokop’s commentary.

The rule seeks to address Democrats’ concerns about the safety measures the railroads would take in transporting liquefied natural gas.

The rail-related projects awarded federal grants seek to expand infrastructure capacity in the Midwest, Tampa and Houston.

The U.S. is loosening restrictions on flights by Chinese airlines after China partially reopened its aviation market to U.S. carriers.

Rearview-looking government data confirms the stress for-hire transportation providers experienced in April. New cycle lows have built a foundation for recovery barring a pronounced second wave of coronavirus cases.

UPS didn’t need its weekly traffic rights on a key Asian route, so it turned them in. Two other airlines immediately pounced and were granted the routes by the U.S. government.

Rulemaking would require making detention time data public

Postponement until completion of safety study part of $494 billion highway bill

15.6 million masks from FEMA going out to trucking, maritime, rail sectors.

New Orleans Public Belt Railroad brings on eight new engines, which will reduce the operation’s fuel consumption by 25% and emissions by 40%.

FMCSA’s Mullen scheduled to meet with White House officials, according to source.

Pause of 14-hour driving window not included among changes.

Freight haulers across transport modes join effort to raise awareness.

The agencies’ report, which uses findings from Sandia National Laboratories, says a crude oil’s vapor pressure shouldn’t factor into deciding whether certain types of crude oil can be transported via rail.

Watchdog report lists “priority issues” requiring agency attention.

Lobby group puts tab for restoring 231,000 U.S. bridges at $164 billion.

Coalition says legislation would help ensure flow of new drivers.

States allowing 100,000-lb. trucks making a difference for resupplies during COVID-19.

DOT’s final rule could mean millions fewer zero-emissions electric vehicles sold.

Paper, plastic, other commodities now exempted for COVID-19 response.

The $248.5 million in grant funding goes to support local and state projects.

Chao outlines five measures aimed at protecting passenger and cargo transportation.

ATRI’s annual study finds significant congestion up 92% in five years.

Labor attorney takes issue with allowing carriers to keep accident evidence from being used in court.

Response to DOT’s national freight strategy proposal reveals top concerns.

Executive order establishes national policy to safeguard positioning and navigation services.

$360 million allotted to deepen the Port of Mobile and the Lower Mississippi River.

Year-to-date U.S. rail volumes are still sluggish, and the effect of the coronavirus on intermodal volumes remains unclear.

Parcel drivers join long-haul colleagues in training to bolster community safety.

Electric trucks in big numbers are still years away, but interest among truck makers and fleets is widespread and growing.

Report to address market competition and sealift capacity.

New agency programs require wireless capacity that FCC wants to reallocate

Road, rail, port environmental permits to be completed in two years.

Trump administration seeks industry comment on Obama-era transportation document.

Action averts government shutdown, funds key infrastructure programs.

The loans would enable short line railroads to pay for rehabilitation projects.

Legislation demands OMB and HHS estimate rule publication date.

The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing all states address highway-rail grade crossing safety.

Trump administration divvies up 55 BUILD grants among 35 states

Werner, UPS Freight among initial companies participating in pilot.

Prioritizing high-risk motor carriers for interventions an added challenge.

Review prompted by lax processing of driver convictions.

Chief counsel Jim Mullen expected to take over as Acting Administrator on Oct. 28.

DOT safety group seeks comment on replacing rearview mirrors with cameras.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is working with the trucking industry to educate small fleets and owner-operators about advanced driver assistance systems that could reduce crashes and fatalities.

Company insists contractors are held to “high standards.”

Calls allegations she used her position to benefit family’s shipping business “false”.

Risks related to CSA program outlined in DOT oversight report.

Change could reduce congestion caused by accidents and inferior road design.