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.
Port Tampa Bay Soon Will Welcome Largest Cargo Ships in Port History
The biggest containerships ever seen in Tampa Bay will begin making weekly calls at Port Tampa Bay from Asia starting in May, port officials announced Feb. 19.
BUILD Infrastructure Grants Reduced in Recent Funding Deal
Funding for grants meant to assist states with infrastructure projects of regional significance was cut under the recently signed law ensuring federal agencies remain open through fiscal 2019.
Walmart Surges After Reporting Best Holiday Quarter Since 2009
Walmart Inc. finally gave the U.S. retail sector some good news. The company brushed off the industry’s disappointing December sales with its best holiday quarter in at least a decade, soothing concerns about the sector’s outlook for 2019. Comparable sales for Walmart stores in the United States — a key performance barometer — rose 4.2% in the quarter that included Christmas, beating analysts’ estimates by a full percentage point.
CO2 Caps Coming for Trucks in European Union
European Union negotiators agreed to impose caps on carbon dioxide from trucks for the first time, stepping up the fight against climate change with a challenge to manufacturers such as Daimler AG.
GPS Trackit Acquires TSO Mobile, InTouch GPS, Fleet Trax
GPS Trackit, a provider of fleet management software, said it completed acquisitions of TSO Mobile of Miami, InTouch GPS of Lakeland, Fla., and Fleet Trax of Dallas in 2018.
February 19, 2019January Tonnage Index Improves Over December and Year-Ago Levels
American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.3% in January after falling 1% in December.
February 19, 2019DRiV Inc. to Emerge From Tenneco Later This Year
DRiV Inc. is the name of an aftermarket parts and ride performance company that is being launched in the wake of Tenneco Inc.’s separation into two independent companies, Tenneco announced.
XPO’s Brad Jacobs Hits Brakes on M&As
After building a fortune and several businesses by buying company after company, XPO Logistics Inc. CEO Brad Jacobs is abandoning acquisitions, a principal reason many investors bought into the stock.
Toyota Acquires Chicago-based Hoist Liftruck
Toyota Industries North America has acquired Chicago-based Hoist Liftruck Manufacturing. The company will be renamed Hoist Material Handling.
XPO Denies Memphis Plant Closing Is Retaliation
XPO Logistics Inc. confirmed Feb. 14 that it will close a facility in Memphis, Tenn., where some employees have made allegations of pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment, and the next day CEO Brad Jacobs said a customer's request prompted the decision.