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.
CFI Logistics Acquires Chicago-Based Optimal Freight
Truckload carrier and logistics firm CFI announced plans to acquire Chicago-based Optimal Freight.
Freight Transportation Profits, Prospers
Without a doubt, 2018 was a banner year for trucking and almost every other form of freight transportation. Business investment took off, hiring picked up and freight volume soared with both domestic and international shipments sharing in the bounty.
Opinion: The Benefits of a Data-Driven Supply Chain
Methods such as Statistical Process Control, Lean and Six Sigma have been in use for decades, helping manufacturers maximize the efficiency and reliability of their processes. But when it comes to complex, global supply chains, a lack of data has limited the effectiveness of these tools.
Consumer Confidence Drops to Five-Month Low
U.S. consumer confidence slumped in December to the lowest since July as a gauge of labor market expectations fell by the most in 41 years, the latest sign Americans are growing less optimistic as stock markets gyrate and the expansion moderates.
Rhode Island to Construct 10 More Truck Toll Gantries
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has received federal approval to advance construction on 10 more truck-tolling gantries.
Report: US Miscalculated Benefit of Better Train Brakes
BILLINGS, Mont. — President Donald Trump’s administration miscalculated the potential benefits of putting better brakes on trains that haul explosive fuels when it scrapped an Obama-era rule over cost concerns, The Associated Press has found. A government analysis used to justify the cancellation omitted up to $117 million in estimated future damages from train derailments that could be avoided by using electronic brakes.
Average Price of Diesel Drops 4.4¢ to $3.077 a Gallon
The U.S. average retail price of diesel dropped 4.4 cents to $3.077 a gallon, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported, as crude oil prices lingered below $50 per barrel.
December 27, 2018Driverless Cars Deliver From Kroger-Owned Store in Arizona
The nation’s largest grocery chain stepped into the driverless delivery market Dec. 18, bringing milk, eggs and other items to a customer’s home in a vehicle with nobody at the wheel.
Jobless Claims Fall to 216,000, Showing Tight Labor Market
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits decreased for the third time in four weeks, hovering near an almost five-decade low that reflects a robust job market.
US Shale’s Blows Leave Middle East Oil Sellers Staggering
The U.S. oil industry is delivering a one-two punch to Middle East producers already reeling from a collapse in prices. A tussle is playing out in the market for so-called light oils, which have a lower sulfur content and are less dense than heavier varieties.