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.
Exceptional Demand Builds for Used Trailers
The used trailer market is surging. Values are high and inventory is sometimes scarce as buyers look for alternatives to higher-priced new equipment, largely available only after long lead times, industry experts said.
ATRI Study Highlights Benefits of HOS Flexibility
Flexible hours-of-service breaks have the potential to benefit the drivers of sleeper berth trucks, according to a new analysis released by the American Transportation Research Institute on Aug. 28.
New Rule Gives Small Railroads Option to Use Automated HOS Record Keeping
The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule to allow small railroads and their contractors to comply with employee federal hours-of-service record-keeping regulations using automated systems rather than paper records.
Summit Partners Acquires MercuryGate International
Investment firm Summit Partners announced the acquisition of MercuryGate International Inc., a provider of SaaS-based transportation management system solutions.
Driver Shortage in Japan Speeds Up Commercial Use of Self-Driving Tech
In Tokyo, self-driving taxis that transport passengers for a fee are being trialed. A serious shortage of taxi drivers lies behind the move, but the development of laws and regulations to deal with accidents and other issues still is lacking.
Trucker Shortage Forces Some Restaurants to Buy Local
A labor crunch in the trucking industry is making it more expensive to deliver everything from apples to zucchini. And restaurants of all kinds are turning to local ingredients to avoid surging shipping costs.
Melting Arctic Ice Opens New Energy Trade Route
A new trade route for energy supplies is opening up north of the Arctic Circle as some of the warmest temperatures on record shrink ice caps that used to lock ships out of the area.
August 28, 2018DrayNow Raises $5 Million to Expand Services Nationwide
DrayNow, a new load-matching service that is focused on helping shippers and freight brokerage firms find drayage capacity, has received $5 million in funding to expand its business nationwide.
Used Truck Prices, Sales Climb in July
Used truck sales rose in July, as did the average price in a hot market where finding inventory to buy or sell is a challenge, ACT Research Co. reported.
Consumer Confidence Rises to Highest in Almost 18 Years
Consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in August to the highest level since October 2000, according to a report Aug. 28 from the New York-based Conference Board, on improved assessments of the economy and the outlook.
August 28, 2018