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.
PHMSA Exempts Hazmat, Secure-Cargo Carriers From California Rest Rule
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has pre-empted motor carriers hauling hazardous materials, explosives and security-sensitive cargo from California’s meal-and-rest-break requirements.
Volvo Exhibits Autonomous Vera Concept
HANOVER, Germany — Volvo Trucks exhibited an autonomous truck concept that entirely removes the cab from the tractor and highlighted its investments in electric vehicles at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show.
FMCSA Extends Public Comment Period on HOS Concerns
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended the period of comment for an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding hours of service for drivers hauling property.
September 19, 2018Officers Issue 57,405 Citations, 87,907 Warnings During Operation Safe Driver Week
Commercial motor vehicle enforcement officers patrolling U.S. and Canadian highways issued more than 57,000 citations and nearly 88,000 warnings for unsafe driving behaviors during 2018 Operation Safe Driver Week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance reported Sept. 19.
Huntsville Airport Receives $29 Million Grant
Huntsville International Airport will receive a federal grant of more than $29 million for improvements, including construction of a new taxiway, according to an announcement Sept. 17 by Sen. Richard Shelby.
ASCE Gives California's Kern County C on Infrastructure
Kern County, California’s third largest by surface area, has earned an overall C on an infrastructure report card developed by the region’s American Society of Civil Engineers division.
North Carolina Ports Reopen After Storm, but With Restrictions
The ports of Wilmington and Morehead City in North Carolina have reopened with restrictions to marine traffic after Hurricane Florence swept through late last week, halting shipments of everything from fertilizer to textiles.
Eastern Iowa Airport Gets $8.8 Million Grant for Cargo Facility Overhaul
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Eastern Iowa Airport has been awarded nearly $9 million in federal funds, which officials say will be used to relocate and expand the airport’s rapidly growing cargo operations.
Audi Challenges Tesla in Electric SUV Market
Audi introduced its first electric SUV on Sept. 17 in California, where its primary competition, Tesla, is based. Audi also has struck a deal with online retailer Amazon to provide equipment for recharging the new midsize SUV, according to a report by Reuters.
Large Ocean Vessels Create Challenges for Shippers
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Ports throughout the United States are prepared to accept megaships carrying 18,000 TEUs or more, but while the larger vessels create efficiencies for maritime providers, they take more time to unload and can create bottlenecks for those at the port and the drivers hauling the loads.