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.
Jack Cooper Holdings Acquires Assets of Selland Auto Transport
Jack Cooper Holdings has acquired the assets of Seattle-based Selland Auto Transport, a move that extends the car hauler’s presence in the western United States and provides more balance to the firm’s delivery network.
Consumer Spending Rises 0.6% in October
WASHINGTON — Consumers boosted their spending in October at the fastest pace in seven months, while their incomes rose by the largest amount in nine months — both good signs for future economic growth.
Jobless Claims Hit Six-Month High During Holiday Week
Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose for a third week to the highest level since May, potentially reflecting volatility around two consecutive periods that included holidays.
Editorial: Trouble on the Homefront for GM
The Nov. 26 announcement from General Motors Co. that it plans to shut down five factories and lay off thousands of workers sent shock waves through the government and business communities, and with good reason.
November 29, 2018Retail Federation Says Trucking Industry Has Enough Capacity to Meet Holiday Demand
The National Retail Federation said the 2018 holiday shopping season is off to an excellent start, and the tight capacity of the trucking industry is not a factor so far as retailers have more than enough inventory in stock to carry them through the end of the year.
Gasoline for Less Than $2 Available in 20 States After Oil’s Drop
Gasoline prices below $2 a gallon can now be found in at least one gas station in 20 U.S. states, as the effects of the bear market in crude oil trickle down to motorists.
Narcoleptic Truck Driver Seeks Exemption to Get Behind the Wheel
An Illinois truck driver has filed a rare exemption request with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that he be allowed to drive a heavy truck in interstate commerce despite his medical condition that regulators say likely could cause a loss of consciousness or an inability to control a commercial vehicle.
Stakeholders Again Call On Congress to Approve Long-Term Transportation Funding
Stakeholders told the members of the Environment and Public Works Committee: The country’s transportation network is desperately in need of long-term federal funding assurances meant to improve freight and commuter connectivity, the result of which could boost the economy.
Average Used Class 8 Costs More in October as Sales Climb
The average price for a used Class 8 truck in October rose 11% year-over-year to $45,378 as buyers pushed sales 9% higher despite inventory levels that remained tight, ACT Research Co. reported.
Volvo Will Monetize Autonomous Vehicles Before Driver Data, CEO Hakan Samuelsson Says
Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson is betting his company will make more money selling connected, autonomous cars to consumers and robo-taxi fleets, rather than taking a cut of the higher margin business of selling data-driven services inside the vehicle.