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.
Opportunity Exists for Advancing Autonomous Vehicles Bill This Congress, Sen. John Thune Says
Legislation aimed at popularizing the use of autonomous vehicles in commercial and commuter settings is gaining supporters in the Senate, signaling its consideration possibly as early as this spring.
Nation’s Ports Off to a Strong Start in 2019; Trump Delays Tariff Increase
The nation’s major ports finished 2018 setting monthly and yearly container volume records, and industry experts said 2019 is off to a strong start. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Feb. 24 he is delaying the scheduled March 1 increase in the tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports.
Nissan Downgraded on Weak Profit Outlook
Nissan Motor Co. took another hit as the automaker’s debt rating was cut on concerns the next two years will be marked by slowing sales and a preoccupation with cleaning up after the scandal involving Carlos Ghosn.
US Tariffs Could Wreak Havoc on Auto Industry, Toyota President Says
Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda called on President Donald Trump to make a “careful and appropriate decision” on whether car imports to the United States are a national security threat, and potentially impose tariffs, to avoid possible ripple effects across the industry.
US, China Crafting Foundation for Trade Deal, Source Says
U.S. and Chinese negotiators are working on multiple memorandums of understanding that would form the basis of a final trade deal, according to a person briefed on the talks.
Omnitracs Partners With Red Hat to Develop Fleet-Management Technology
Omnitracs has formed a partnership with Red Hat, a major provider of open-source, cloud-based software, to accelerate the development of its fleet-management technology.
YRC Freight Asks Federal Judge to Dismiss Government's False Claims Lawsuit
Attorneys for YRC Freight Inc. have asked a federal judge to dismiss a U.S. Department of Justice civil lawsuit alleging that the company overcharged the federal government on shipments, stating that the plaintiff has failed to build a sufficient case despite years of investigation.
U.S. Xpress Opens Unique Driver Training Center
Truckload carrier U.S. Xpress has opened a driver training center in Tunnel Hill, Ga., that is unlike any other.
Amazon to Disclose More Details on Environmental Impact
Amazon.com announced it will disclose its carbon footprint later this year, giving consumers and investors new insight into the environmental cost of its popular two-day shipping.
FMCSA Grants Exemption From Flag Rule for Stinger-Steered Auto Haulers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted a limited five-year exemption to relieve motor carriers operating stinger-steered automobile transporter equipment from a requirement to place warning flags on projecting loads of new motor vehicles.