Business
Transport Topics business coverage focuses on the financial, economic, and commercial aspects of the modern freight business. Looking at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic forces shaping bottom lines, the news in this category includes labor news, jobs reports, tonnage and sales indicators, operations analysis, money and banking, mergers, acquisitions, e-commerce, bankruptcy, insurance issues, and more.
Trump Pushes $1.2 Trillion Stimulus, $1,000 Checks in Two Weeks
The Trump administration is discussing a plan that could amount to as much as $1.2 trillion in spending — including direct payments of $1,000 or more to Americans within two weeks — to blunt some of the economic impact of the widening coronavirus outbreak.
March 17, 2020Truck-Lite Announces Agreement With Star Leasing
Truck-Lite Co. announced an agreement with Star Leasing Co. to supply LED lighting and harnessing products as standard equipment on new trailer builds and to integrate its Road Ready telematics system into the fleet’s new and existing trailers.
March 17, 2020Recession Coming in Q2 From Coronavirus Impact, Economists Say
The U.S. economy is rapidly moving from 121 consecutive months of growth to a recession, the result of consumers and businesses hitting the brakes over mounting fears of the coronavirus.
New York Officials, Trucking Association Take Caution Amid COVID-19
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have teamed up to institute restrictions on social gathering places. Trucking Association of New York President Kendra Hems said it still is too early to tell what the restrictions’ impacts on the industry will be.
Diesel Falls 8.1¢ to $2.733 a Gallon; Gasoline Drops 12.7¢
The nationwide average price of diesel fuel declined by 8 cents per gallon March 16, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Stocks Plunge 12% in Biggest Rout Since 1987
The stomach-turning ride on global financial markets took a dramatic turn March 16, with U.S. stocks plunging the most since 1987 after President Donald Trump warned the economic disruption from the virus could last into summer.
March 16, 2020Amazon to Hire 100,000 to Help Meet Coronavirus-Related Order Spike
Amazon .com will hire 100,000 people — and give U.S. workers a $2-an-hour raise — in an effort to meet crushing demand from customers placing online orders for household essentials rather than going to crowded stores.
Canada to Close Border Except for US Citizens, Commerce
Canada is closing its borders to anyone who is not a citizen or a permanent resident amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced March 16. However, the declaration does not affect the shipment of goods into the country, and for now, U.S. citizens.
Senate Democrats Offer Resolution Opposing NEPA Changes; Industry Stakeholders Push Back
Delaware Sen. Tom Carper and fellow Democrats offered a resolution this month expressing their opposition to President Donald Trump’s efforts aimed at streamlining the permitting process outlined by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Oil Supertankers Fetch Astronomical Rates With Vessels Scarce
Oil companies are being forced to pay exorbitant prices for oil tankers as shipowners book vessels for storage and Saudi Arabia snaps up ships as it prepares to flood the market with crude.