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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a plan to renew and revise its Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding Driver Qualification (DQ) Files. This request estimates the workload on commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers for maintaining required documentation, with a projected increase in burden due to a rise in the number of drivers and the rate at which they are hired. The estimated total annual burden has increased from 14.23 million to 18.39 million hours. Public comments on this notice are invited until February 21, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the Department of Transportation (DOT), has issued a final rule concerning Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and related Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) for certain airports. This rule addresses changes due to new or revised criteria and updates in the National Airspace System, such as new navigational facilities or obstacles. These updates aim to ensure the safe and efficient use of airspace and enhance flight safety under instrument flight rules. The rule becomes effective on February 3, 2021, with some procedures available sooner depending on safety requirements.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced the receipt of applications for special permits related to the transportation of hazardous materials. These applications detail requests for permits to use various transportation methods like motor vehicles, rail freight, cargo vessels, and aircraft, including passenger-carrying planes. People interested in commenting on these applications must do so by March 12, 2021. Copies of the applications can be reviewed at the Records Center in Washington, DC.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, has issued a notice regarding applications for modifications to existing special permits concerning the transportation of hazardous materials. The public is invited to comment on these applications by April 10, 2025. Interested parties can inspect copies of the applications at the PHMSA office or online. This notice is part of the procedures under federal hazardous materials law to ensure public input and compliance.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering an application from DISA Entertainment Compliance Solutions (DECS) to renew its exemption from the rule that requires a full query of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse before hiring commercial drivers. Instead, DECS would perform a limited query first, which only checks if there is information about the driver in the system without revealing specific details. If something is flagged, a full query is necessary before the driver can be hired for jobs at entertainment production sites. Public comments on this renewal application are requested by April 24, 2025.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a delay in the start date for new guidance on third-party contracting, originally set for February 18, 2025, now postponed to March 20, 2025. This guidance, known as Circular C 4220.1G, replaces a previous version from 2013 and incorporates updates due to changes in laws and regulations. The delay is in response to a presidential memorandum aiming for a regulatory freeze and will allow further review. The change is effective immediately and is exempt from standard notice and comment procedures due to the urgency of the situation.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is inviting public comments on the eligibility of a foreign-built vessel, ZEKI, for a coastwise endorsement to carry up to 12 passengers in the U.S. The vessel is intended for passenger cruises and transport along the north and east coasts of Puerto Rico, based in San Juan. Comments can be submitted until January 21, 2025, and should consider the potential impact on U.S. vessel builders and businesses using U.S.-flag vessels. The complete application is available online for review, and MARAD will use public feedback to assess any adverse effects on U.S. industries before issuing a decision.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation has received a request for a waiver of the coastwise trade laws for a vessel over three years old, named ISLAND REEF, to allow it to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. The vessel is intended to be used for snorkel, sport fishing, and scuba tours in Puerto Rico. The public is invited to submit comments on this request by February 8, 2021. Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail, and they will be made publicly available.

FMCSA, part of the Department of Transportation, has extended the compliance deadline for certain parts of the "Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility" rule from January 16, 2025, to January 16, 2026. This extension gives brokers, freight forwarders, and others additional time to prepare for and use a new online registration system that isn't expected to be ready until 2025. Despite opposition from some groups who argue the delay is excessive, FMCSA claims the extension will aid in a smoother transition and provide time for training. The final rule aims to enhance the tracking of financial responsibilities and streamline administrative processes related to broker and freight forwarder operations.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of final policy guidance for the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program. This guidance updates the initial policy from January 2023 and incorporates public feedback from earlier in 2024. It provides details about the steps and criteria projects must meet to qualify for discretionary funding. Certain projects already in progress may continue under the old guidance, but they can opt to switch to the new guidelines if they choose.