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.
ASCE Releases Infrastructure Grades for Iowa and California
The American Society of Civil Engineers’ newly released infrastructure report cards for Iowa and California reveal the condition of those states’ underlying frameworks are just average.
Idaho’s Paul Unser Dethrones Reigning Grand Champion to Claim Crown
After winning Straight Truck at Idaho’s Truck Driving Championships last year, Paul Unser of YRC Freight not only won Straight Truck this year, but took overall Grand Champion honors as well. Unser beat out Timothy Melody of ABF Freight System, who competed and won in Sleeper Berth this year.
Industry Veteran of 46 Years Wins It All in South Carolina
With a perfect written exam score, a solid pre-trip inspection and a 265 out of 300 on his road skills, Ralph Hamilton of Old Dominion Freight Line clinched his Grand Champion title at the South Carolina Truck Driving Championships.
FMCSA’s Ray Martinez: Industry Collaboration, Data Play Key Roles in Agency’s Work
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is focused on improving infrastructure and creating common-sense regulations, and open communication with the trucking industry enhances the government’s efforts.
Electric Truckmaker Workhorse in Talks to Acquire Idled GM Plant in Ohio
General Motors Co. is in talks to sell the Ohio car plant it idled earlier this year to electric truckmaker Workhorse Group Inc., a plan that won President Donald Trump’s praise despite the likelihood that the factory will employ far fewer workers.
May 8, 2019Lines 'Blurred' Between Longhaul, Local Drivers With Reclassified Workers’ Comp Code, Industry Expert Says
The National Council on Compensation Insurance last year reclassified workers’ compensation codes for motor carriers, a move that somewhat “blurred the lines” between over-the-road truck drivers and the city-local drivers who are home every night, said Sam Tucker, CEO of Carrier Risk Solutions.
May 8, 2019Common Consumer Goods May Be Target of Retaliatory Tariffs
President Donald Trump’s latest threat to raise tariffs on Chinese goods puts vital intermediate equipment and everyday consumer goods used by millions of Americans back into the cross-hairs.
Truck Drivers: Employees or Independent Contractors? It Matters for Workers’ Comp
Whether truck drivers are classified as employees or independent contractors is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge for many motor carriers when it comes to workers’ compensation and other insurance coverages, industry experts said.
A. Duie Pyle Puts Two Electric Trucks on New York City Streets
Executives with less-than-truckload carrier A. Duie Pyle Inc. said the company is on the verge of operating two battery-electric Fuso eCanter Class 4 trucks in New York City as it steps up its involvement with electrified commercial vehicles.
Tariffs Could Lead Polaris Snowmobile Maker to Mexico
Scott Wine jokes that he doesn’t want to have to start building snowmobiles in sweltering Mexico. But the Polaris CEO is dead serious about the unintended consequences that higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods will have on Polaris Industries Inc. — including forcing him to consider moving jobs to Mexico.