Transportation

Washington – A final rule intended to improve the safety of crude oil transport by rail is being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget and should be finalized “in the coming weeks,” Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Sarah Feinberg said April 14 during a hearing of the House Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

Washington – A lawmaker is predicting a grim outcome if regulators do not strengthen safety standards for air transport of lithium cells and batteries.

Washington – A federal safety management system that includes data on all crashes involving commercial motor vehicles – not only incidents in which truckers were at fault – is unfair and should be changed, critics say.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has issued four urgent recommendations in the wake of several fiery derailments involving rail cars carrying crude oil and other flammable liquids.

Washington – More truck drivers could be tested for drugs through hair samples, under legislation proposed March 19 in both chambers of Congress.

Washington – The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has approved a markup bill (S. 650) that would delay, by five years, a requirement for railroads to implement Positive Train Control.

Washington – A group of senators has introduced legislation intended to strengthen safety standards for rail cars that haul volatile crude oil across the country.

Federal official tells Senate subcommittee that electronic logging devices in commercial trucks will improve safety. Also: updates on driver hours of service and the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published details about an upcoming study into whether a 34-hour restart rule for commercial motor vehicle drivers improves safety for truckers and commuters.

Washington – An increase in vehicle-train collisions and fatalities at highway-rail grade crossings has prompted rail safety group Operation Lifesaver and other advocates to renew calls for drivers to use extra caution near tracks.