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.
U.S. Xpress Enterprises Posts Record Profits
U.S. Xpress Enterprises reported record profits in the third quarter as the company benefited from strong freight volumes and higher rates.
Port of Everett Receives Nearly $6M Federal Loan for Rail Upgrades
Washington’s Port of Everett was awarded a $5.9 million loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau to assist with ongoing rail upgrades at the facility, Secretary Elaine Chao announced.
Trade Gap Hits Seven-Month High Amid Tariff War
The U.S. trade deficit widened more than forecast in September to a seven-month high as imports expanded and the merchandise gap with China hit a record amid an escalating tariff war.
Canada Posts Trade Deficit With Declining Exports and Imports
Canada’s economy continued to show sluggish trade flows in September with both exports and imports recording back-to-back monthly drops. The statistics agency also revised away its previously reported surplus from August.
250,000 Jobs Added; Pay Growth Fastest Since 2009
WASHINGTON — The final major economic report before the Nov. 6 congressional elections showed that U.S. employers added a stellar 250,000 jobs in October and raised average pay by the most in nearly a decade.
Infrastructure Boom Seen Roaring Ahead Regardless of Midterm Result
Encouraging spending on roads, bridges and other infrastructure could be one of the rare areas where a Democrat-controlled Congress finds common ground with the Trump administration. Private investors in such projects aren’t relying on any breakthroughs, regardless of how next week’s midterm elections shake out.
Optimism Boosted on News of Trump-Xi Talks
BANGKOK — Stock markets charged ahead Nov. 2 after President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, spoke by phone and reported progress in resolving trade tensions.
Schneider’s Profits, Revenue Higher in Third Quarter
Schneider National Inc. reported higher revenue and profits in the third quarter, but not all of its business units shared in the bounty.
UPS Warns Freight Customers as Possible Strike Looms
UPS Inc. is advising its freight customers to explore alternative shipping plans as the threat of a strike by workers represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters looms should members reject the company’s latest contract offer.
YRC Worldwide Reports Mixed Financial Results for 3Q
YRC Worldwide Inc. posted net income of $2.9 million, or 9 cents a share, a slight drop from $3 million, or 9 cents, in 2017, the carrier reported for the third quarter Nov. 1.