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.
ATA Hires Dan Horvath as New Safety Policy Director
American Trucking Associations has hired Dan Horvath to serve as its new director of safety policy, according to an April 4 announcement.
April 5, 2018Ford Concerned NAFTA Rule Changes Wouldn’t Preserve US Jobs
Ford Motor Co., the largest producer of cars and trucks in the United States, remains concerned about major modifications to the North American Free Trade Agreement, even after President Donald Trump’s negotiators were said to have softened demands.
Stoneridge Seeks FMCSA Exemption to Allow Camera Monitoring System
Stoneridge Inc. has requested an exemption to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles with the company’s MirrorEye Camera Monitor System installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by federal regulations. Stoneridge said it has developed, tested and manufactured the digital camera system to improve safety by providing truck and bus drivers with an enhanced field of view.
Republicans Warn Trump a Trade War Risks Party’s Chances in November
Republicans are warning President Donald Trump that a trade war with China would deal an economic blow to politically important areas of the country that will cost the party in November’s congressional elections.
Jobless Claims Rise to Highest in Almost Three Months
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week to the highest in almost three months amid holidays that may have played a role in the increase, Labor Department figures showed April 5.
Consumer Comfort Climbs to 17-Year High on Finances
U.S. consumer sentiment advanced last week to a 17-year high as greater optimism about household finances and the buying climate more than offset a deterioration in views about the economy, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed April 5.
April 5, 2018Improving Pay Is Best Way to Retain Drivers, Companies Say
Two more trucking companies have announced pay increases for drivers, following a trend that is helping address the industry’s immediate need to attract and retain drivers, and that experts said is part of a larger strategy for addressing the shortage in the long term.
Trade Gap Widens for Sixth Month Ahead of Trump Tariffs
The U.S. trade deficit widened by more than forecast to a fresh nine-year high in February amid broad-based demand for imports, ahead of Trump administration tariffs that have raised the specter of a trade war.
Transport Topics Wins Seven Azbee Business Publication Regional Awards
Transport Topics collected Azbee Awards of Excellence in seven categories — including gold for best website redesign — April 4 as 2018 winners were announced by the American Society of Business Publication Editors for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
April 4, 2018A Day at the Inspection Pit: Truck Drivers Display ELD Compliance
DUMFRIES, Va. — Under gray skies on the cold morning of April 3, Sgt. Steve Vilbert of the Virginia State Police lay in wait on an Interstate 95 exit ramp ready to nab any truck driver who hadn’t installed an electronic logging device on his truck. Just two days after a soft-enforcement period for ELD usage had ended, history told Vilbert there could be some violators.