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.
Productivity Rises 2.3% in Third Quarter
WASHINGTON — U.S. productivity grew at an annual rate of 2.3% in the July-September quarter, slower than the previous quarter but still an improvement over the weak annual gains of the past decade. Labor costs rose at a modest pace in the third quarter.
Service Industries Expand to Near-Record Level in November
A gauge of U.S. service industries unexpectedly rose in November to a near-record level amid gains in business activity and new orders, adding to indications that the sector remains robust in the fourth quarter.
China Implementing Agreed-Upon Trade Deals With US, Official Says
China and the United States have reached agreement in the sectors of agriculture, autos and energy, and China will immediately start implementing that consensus, a government spokesman said.
December 6, 2018Safe Fleet Buys Roll-Rite Automated Covering Systems
Safe Fleet has acquired the Roll-Rite group of companies, according to a news release. The Belton, Mo.-based company owns brands and products that enhance safety and productivity for fleet vehicle manufacturers and operators. Safe Fleet has 1,500 employees and 14 manufacturing locations.
December 6, 2018J.B. Hunt Transport Services Takes Delivery of First All-Electric Trucks
J.B. Hunt Transport Services has made its first purchase of electric-powered trucks, acquiring five medium-duty eCanter box trucks from Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. for use in making deliveries in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., and in the greater Houston area in Texas.
Transervice Logistics, Prairie Farms Dairy Agree to Contract Maintenance Deal
Transervice Logistics, a customized transportation service provider, has announced that it has entered into an on-site dedicated contract maintenance agreement with Prairie Farms Dairy, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the Midwest, at its bottling plant in Somerset, Ky.
December 5, 2018Inland Port Coming to Northeast Georgia
A regional terminal for cargo heading from the Port of Savannah to area companies could open in 2021 at the Gateway Industrial Centre off Ga. 365 in North Hall.
December 5, 2018Rep. DeFazio on Earmarks Ban: ‘Don’t Think We Need That Rule’
WASHINGTON — The next chairman of the transportation policy panel in the U.S. House of Representatives said the ban on earmarks the GOP imposed nearly a decade ago is no longer needed.
Suppliers See Opportunities With Electric Trucks
Developers of aerodynamic and other equipment that helps fleets curtail fuel use in diesel-powered trucks say they see similar opportunities with electrified vehicles.
FourKites Expands Predictive Tracking Into Europe
FourKites, a predictive supply chain visibility provider, has expanded operations into the United Kingdom, according to a Nov. 30 press release. The Chicago-based company also plans to open offices in Europe over the next few months.
December 5, 2018