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.
Today’s Truck Spec’ing
Given the complexity of today’s trucks, it may be natural for the uninitiated to assume that spec’ing a truck well has become more difficult. But, the opposite is the case, industry executives said.
Electrical Skills Are Critical
As an ever-increasing array of devices, motive power systems and technologies asserts itself into the trucking industry, cutting-edge electrical knowledge and skills will be absolute necessities for technicians to keep fleet equipment operating at peak efficiency.
The Complexities of Truck Collision Repair
Heavy-duty collision repair is becoming increasingly complex due to a variety of factors, including the conversion from steel to aluminum bodies, the changing componentry and design of trucks and the proliferation of onboard sensors.
July 20, 2018Class 8 Commercial Rigs Should Do Away With Mirrors
It’s time that Class 8 commercial trucks deployed high-tech cameras instead of the assortment of mirrors — rearview, down view and blind spot — found on today’s tractors.
Pilot Freight Buys Manna, Expands Furniture Delivery
Pilot Freight Services acquired Manna Freight Systems to expand its final-mile delivery and installation services of furniture and appliances. Terms of the deal were not released.
July 20, 2018OEMs Mixed on Turbo Compounding
Volvo Trucks North America says its D13TC engine’s turbo compounding unit will add 50 horsepower through waste heat recovery and will improve fuel efficiency by 7.5%. The company believes the technology could reach the same level of market acceptance as its automated transmissions. But not every manufacturer believes turbo compounding is the best way to improve fuel efficiency.
July 20, 2018DHL Express Buys 14 Boeing Freight Planes
DHL Express ordered 14 Boeing 777 Freighters with options and purchase rights for another seven aircraft. The first four of the planes will be delivered by year-end 2019.
July 20, 2018Taking a Look at Turbo Compounding
Much is being said and written about the role electric power will someday play in moving Class 8 vehicles down the road, but for the foreseeable future most trucks still will be powered by good old-fashioned internal combustion engines. And there is plenty going on to advance the technology that powers those engines.
Regular Realignment Is a Savings, Not a Cost
Tire wear often is blamed on a number of things, and many times, on the brand of the tire. But aggressive tire wear is a symptom that something else is wrong with a truck.
Trump Blasts Fed Rate Hikes, Says Strong Dollar Hurts US
President Donald Trump lashed out at China and the European Union for their weak currencies and said a stronger dollar and rising interest rates are undermining America’s “competitive edge,” taking a fresh jab at the Federal Reserve. Stocks and the dollar fell.