Business

About Business News...

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.

Business, Fuel

TA Reports Mixed Q4, Full-Year Results

TravelCenters of America reported fourth-quarter net income with a significant increase in fuel gross margin, but revenue dipped. It posted similar full-year results.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel

Diesel Falls 3.1¢ to $2.851 Per Gallon

The U.S. average retail price of diesel fell 3.1 cents to $2.851 per gallon, the Department of Energy reported March 2.

Dan Ronan | Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020
Government, Business, Logistics

Amtrak Names Former Air Cargo Executive as New CEO

Amtrak named a former air cargo executive as its new president and chief operating officer March 2.

March 2, 2020
Government, Business

Factories Expand Despite Virus, Though Deliveries Slow

WASHINGTON — American factories expanded in February for the second straight month, despite disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Paul Wiseman | Associated Press
March 2, 2020
Government, Business

US Construction Spending Up 1.8% in January to Record Level

WASHINGTON — Spending on U.S. construction projects rose to an all-time high in January, helped by strong gains for home construction and government building projects.

Martin Crutsinger | Associated Press
March 2, 2020
Government, Business, Logistics

Most Ports See Container Volumes Decline in January

Facing strong headwinds from the lingering effects of the U.S.-China trade war, the slowdown associated with the Chinese New Year, and later the coronavirus, most of the nation’s ports saw container volumes fall in January.

Dan Ronan | Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020
Government, Business, Safety, Logistics

Economists Fear Possible Recession as Coronavirus Spreads

Economists who closely follow the transportation and trucking industry say the next month will be critical as to whether the economy avoids a recession in 2020 as concerns over the spread of the coronavirus mount.

Dan Ronan | Senior Reporter
March 2, 2020
Government, Business, Fuel

As Coronavirus Spreads, Global Demand for Oil Lessens, Prices Fall

NEW YORK — With the coronavirus outbreak spreading to more countries, the price of oil has dropped precipitously as global demand weakens even further.

Cathy Bussewitz | Associated Press
March 2, 2020
Government, Business

First Negative US Yields Get Closer Amid Virus Fallout Fears

The swirl of fresh coronavirus cases and growing risks to the global economy have some seasoned market strategists warning that U.S. growth could come to a halt this year and some Treasury yields may drop below zero for the first time.

Liz Capo McCormick | Bloomberg News
March 2, 2020
Government, Business, Safety, Fuel, TCA

Massachusetts Transportation Funding Plan Would Increase Gas Taxes

BOSTON — Fees for ride-hailing services and a 5-cents-per-gallon hike in the state’s gas tax are the heart of a plan floated by Democrats in the House of Representatives to pay for upgrades to roads, bridges and public transit.

Christian M. Wade | The (North Andover, Mass.) Eagle-Tribune
March 2, 2020