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.
Fleets Reap Riches by Expanding Into Last-Mile Service
Truck driver Justin Osborne pulled up to a house in the Dallas suburbs last month and started unloading an oven, a dishwasher and a microwave. His mission: Help J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. win the battle for new delivery riches spurred by e-commerce.
Michigan DOT Opens Public Comment Period on Transportation Plan
Michigan Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on the state’s plan to develop transportation goals for the next 25 years. The long-range plan, dubbed Michigan Mobility 2045, will establish transportation priorities.
Retailers Turn to Logistics Providers to Help Manage Returns Process
For online retailers, one of the challenges with the reverse logistics process is knowing what to do once items are returned. Some products could be returned to a finished goods warehouse whereas defective ones could go to a location to refurbish or recycle the product.
Drone Company Flytrex Closes $7.5 Million Series B Round
Drone-delivery technology company Flytrex announced it has raised $7.5 million in Series B funding, according to a Jan. 8 press release. This round brings the company’s total to $11 million.
January 8, 2019Logistics Companies Aim to Ease Returns, Keep Costs Low Amid E-Commerce Rise
As the continued rise of e-commerce increases the number of product returns, retailers and shippers are working to ease the returns process to boost customer satisfaction. They’re doing so by turning to logistics providers for technology and services that can optimize their reverse logistics networks and keep costs low.
Race for Next-Generation Battery Supremacy Has an Early Leader
To deliver an electric vehicle that’s cheaper, safer and capable of traveling 500 miles on a single charge, the auto industry needs a breakthrough in battery technology. Easier said than done.
Former Sears CEO Gets Another Chance to Save Company
Eddie Lampert will get another shot at keeping Sears Holdings Corp. from liquidation. The Sears chairman and former CEO must put up $120 million by Jan. 9 to get a chance to take part in an auction against other bidders.
Pollution Worsened in 2018 Because of Two Overlooked Sectors, Research Suggests
In the debate over climate change, the heaviest polluters — think: power plants, trucks and cars — get the most attention from policymakers. New research suggests a broader view might be called for.
Job Openings Slip 3.4% in November to Still-Strong 6.9 Million
WASHINGTON — U.S. job openings fell in November from the previous month, but the number of available positions remained healthy.
Peterbilt Unveils Electric Medium-Duty Truck at CES
LAS VEGAS — Peterbilt Motors Co. has unveiled an all-electric medium-duty truck, adding a third model to its emerging electric-vehicle lineup.