Transportation TIP List: Week of May 1st, 2016

Transportation TIP List: Week of May 1st, 2016

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, we’ve been reflecting on the mother lode of legislation that is currently trending in the transportation industry. Our TIP List this week spotlights progress, such as freight value on the rise — as well as some hurdles, such as concerns about mandating the use of speed governors on heavy-duty trucks. Brush up on all the details in the articles below!

• In Light of Delays by DOT, Senate Bill Calls for Quick Action on Speed Limiters: The Senate’s Appropriations Committee passed a 2017 DOT funding bill that set an April 28, 2016, deadline for the DOT to publish its proposed rule to mandate the use of speed limiters/governors on heavy-duty trucks. The bill still has major hurdles to clear before being enacted.

• Truckload Group Splits with ATA Policy on Truck Size and Weight Issue: In a behind-the-scenes split that highlights the divergent interests between truckload carriers and the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry, the Truckload Carriers Association has officially split from the larger American Trucking Associations’ official policy position on truck sizes and weights.

• Private Trade Group Issues Report on Best Practices in Fleet Road Safety: This report outlines practices that companies can use to keep employees, partners, and contractors safe on the roads and minimize costs. Together for Safer Roads (TSR) member companies established these guidelines to help others develop and manage successful transportation programs.

• U.S., EU Officials Say They Will Not Settle for Limited Trade Deal: U.S. and European Union trade officials said on Thursday they would not settle for a limited trans-Atlantic free trade deal that ignores deep divisions on agricultural products, services, public procurement and dispute resolution.

• NAFTA Stats Show Year-Over-Year Freight Value Up 4.7% for Trucks: Both rail and truck carried more U.S. freight by value with NAFTA partners Canada and Mexico in February 2016 than in February 2015. However, the total value of cross-border freight carried on all modes fell 2 percent from February 2015 to $84 billion in February 2016 in current dollars.

• House Votes to Let Manufacturers Seek Lower Import Tariffs: The U.S. House of Representatives voted to let U.S. manufacturers seek lower tariffs on some imported materials they use in their products. The measure would let companies ask the International Trade Commission to reduce or suspend tariffs on chemicals or other items that generally aren’t available in the U.S.

• Get Ahead Of The Competition: Recover From Supply Risks Faster: An often overlooked place where businesses can get ahead of their rivals is supply chain risk. Those that recover quicker from disasters can often take advantage over a stricken competitor and claim market share.

What legislative industry trends are you keeping an eye on this week?