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.
Diesel Jumps 6.1¢ to $3.104 a Gallon in Single Biggest Increase of Year
The U.S. average retail price of diesel jumped 6.1 cents — the largest single increase of the year — to $3.104 a gallon as oil climbed past $68 a barrel amid signs the supply glut is fading.
Rhode Island Truck Tolls Delayed Until Late May
Rhode Island’s truck tolls have been postponed once again, this time until at least late May, a delay that is expected to cost $20 million in lost revenue.
J.B. Hunt Reports Strong First-Quarter Revenue
J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported first-quarter 2018 net earnings of $118.1 million, or $1.07 a share, up from $102.7 million, or 92 cents a share, in the first quarter of 2017. The Bloomberg analyst consensus forecast the carrier would report net income of $120.6 million, or $1.09 a share.
Mike Ducker to Step Down as FedEx Freight CEO on Aug. 15
Mike Ducker will retire Aug. 15 as president and CEO of FedEx Freight after leading the group for four years, FedEx Corp. announced April 16. His successor will be named later.
Optimism Among Builders Slides for Fourth Consecutive Month
NEW YORK — Homebuilder confidence slid for the fourth consecutive month with steadily rising mortgage rates and sky-high home prices putting ownership out of reach for more Americans.
April 16, 2018Trump Push for Quick NAFTA Deal Slowed by Division on Top Issues
President Donald Trump’s push for a quick resolution to NAFTA talks is being stymied by persistent differences among the United States, Canada and Mexico over a handful of the make-or-break issues.
Capitol Agenda for the Week of April 16: Road to NTDC
The journey to crown this year’s top truck driver is officially underway. Elite truckers passionate about safety are focusing their talents at their state truck driving championships for a chance to qualify for the National Truck Driving Championships.
Panel Issues Interim Report to Accelerate Recommendations for Truck Size, Weight Limits
A specially appointed committee of academic and policy experts has issued an interim report on its plans to plug data and research gaps that have for several years delayed federal policy recommendations for changes to truck size and weight limits.
US Retail Sales Rebound in Sign Consumer Weakness Fading
U.S. retail sales rose by more than expected in March in the first gain in four months, suggesting consumer demand regained steam on the back of tax cuts and refunds.
MoDOT Grapples With Issues Related to Vehicle Automation
As the auto market becomes more saturated with electric vehicles and vehicles with automation capabilities, the Missouri Department of Transportation is grappling with the changes these types of vehicles present.