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.
Fed Raises Rates, Trims Forecast for Hikes in 2019 From Three to Two
The Federal Reserve raised borrowing costs for the fourth time this year Dec. 19, ignoring a stock market sell-off and defying pressure from President Donald Trump, while dialing back projections for interest rates and economic growth in 2019.
December 19, 2018China Buys More US Soybeans as Agriculture Trade Woes Ease
China, the world’s largest consumer of soybeans, bought American-grown oilseed for a second week after largely shunning U.S. supplies earlier this year in a trade war between the countries.
Plugging Into an Electric Future
On our Dec. 19 LiveOnWeb program, we were “Plugging Into an Electric Future” as we assessed the rapid escalation of development and deployment of electric vehicle technology.
December 19, 2018FedEx Stock Takes Beating on Bleak European Outlook
FedEx Corp. shares plunged Dec. 19, after its “jarring” cut to annual forecasts and bleak commentary about European economy and global trade alarmed the market.
Existing Home Sales Rise for Second Month
Sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose for a second straight month and exceeded forecasts in November, suggesting consumer demand is picking up as price gains moderate amid more generous inventories.
FCC Evaluates Sharing Connected Vehicle Spectrum With Wi-Fi
The Federal Communications Commission is deciding whether further testing is needed to determine if communications between connected vehicles, including trucks, can share a slice of spectrum with Wi-Fi broadband services seeking to use it, too.
Manitoulin Transport Buys Yukon Business in Latest Acquisition
Manitoulin Transport has purchased Kluane Freight Lines Ltd.’s book of business and formed a joint venture with Chief Isaac Group of Cos., according to a Manitoulin news release.
Ozark Motor Lines Raises Pay as Trucker Shortage Creates Worker Demand
Two motor carriers are closing out the year with pay increases for drivers, capping off a 2018 trend that saw many fleets boost compensation in order to attract and retain drivers.
Shell Rotella Unveils New Heavy-Duty Greases
Shell Rotella has introduced a new line of heavy-duty greases for trucks, tractors and construction equipment, according to a Dec. 14 press release.
December 19, 2018FedEx Reports Strong 2Q Earnings
FedEx Corp. reported a 20.6% increase in net income in its fiscal second-quarter financial results released Dec. 18.