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.
Growth of Electric Vehicles Could Jeopardize Iowa’s Road Fund
In about 20 years, the growing use of electric vehicles could take a quarter-billion-dollar-a-year hit on a state fund relied upon to finance better roads, the Iowa Department of Transportation said Jan. 29.
Opinion: Using Analytics to Help Retain Drivers
Key variables can be analyzed using machine learning to predict a driver’s risk of leaving a company, and insights from those data points can provide — and prescribe — recommendations on what type of intervention is needed, says Chris Orban of Trimble.
Goodyear Says Range of New Steer Tire Endurance LHS Is Up 25% Over Previous Model
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. said its recently introduced steer tire addresses concerns fleets expressed with an earlier model designed for the same application.
Self-Driving Truck Startup Embark Releases Performance Data
Self-driving truck startup Embark has issued a voluntary report on the performance of its automated trucks, providing a more detailed look at its testing process and the current capabilities of its technology.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide 4Q Revenue, Profits Beat Analysts’ Estimates
Freight broker and produce distributor C.H. Robinson Worldwide turned in better-than-expected financial results in the fourth quarter of 2018, posting strong gains in revenue and higher profits across nearly all of its business lines, easing concern from some investors about a deceleration in freight shipments in the year ahead.
FHWA Nominee Nicole Nason Says All Options on the Table for Infrastructure Funding
WASHINGTON — When policymakers craft their next transportation reauthorization bill, they should consider every available tool that would result in long-term funding for infrastructure projects, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Highway Administration told a Senate panel Jan. 29.
Fleets Seek Aftermarket Companies That Are Easy to Do Business With
LAS VEGAS — Fleet executives are standardizing parts ordering and maintenance procedures as they deal with truck equipment that is increasingly complex and costly.
Paccar Reports Fourth-Quarter, Full-Year Revenue Records
Paccar Inc. reported record revenue in the fourth quarter and, excluding one-time benefits, higher net income. Annual revenue and net income set records, too, as it delivered 189,100 vehicles worldwide in 2018.
January 29, 2019Aftermarket Seeks to Keep Up as Truck Makers Broaden Approach
LAS VEGAS — Truck makers are wrestling with how to invest in automation, electrification and traditional powertrains — all at once. Additionally, more trailers will use telematics to relay diagnostic information and secure parts while new relationships will form between suppliers and technology startups, according to experts at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue.
GlobalTranz Buys California Brokerage, Logistics Company Our Freight Guy
GlobalTranz Enterprises Inc., a third-party logistics service provider, has acquired California-based freight brokerage and logistics company Our Freight Guy.
January 29, 2019