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.
Trade Fight Expected to Add Risk but Not Sink US Economy
The latest tariff salvos between the United States and China have brought a trade war closer to reality. It’s a risk that the world’s biggest economy is well-positioned to ride out.
China’s Counterpunch to Trump’s Tariffs Sparks Global Selloff
Tit-for-tat tariff threats from the United States and China ignited fears that a trade war is beginning between the world’s two largest economies, lowering U.S. stock futures.
April 4, 2018Nice Guys. Poor Credit Risks.
Although they’re undoubtedly experts in the trucking industry, the folks at E.M. Tharp/Golden State Peterbilt admit they weren’t so great at credit and collections. Find out what happened when they entrusted accounts receivable management to Interstate Billing Service.
April 4, 2018Truckers Ask Court to Halt Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Payments to PennDOT
Groups representing truckers and other motorists asked a federal judge April 2 to halt the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s payments to PennDOT for state transportation projects while the court decides their claims that turnpike tolls are unconstitutionally excessive.
FMCSA Plans to Consider Lengthening Commercial Learner Permit Validity Timeline
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to submit a proposal that will lengthen the amount of time a commercial learner’s permit is valid, according to a statement from the agency.
Growth in US Service Industries Cools for a Second Month
Growth in U.S. service industries cooled in March for a second month as orders settled back from the fastest pace in more than 12 years, a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed April 4.
February Used Class 8 Sales Steady as Market Sheds Excess Inventory
Sales in February of used Class 8 trucks were flat year-over-year with the average price showing a modest uptick, ACT Research Co. reported as the formerly oversupplied market is in better shape.
Boeing Considers Turning Used 777s Into Cargo Planes
Boeing Co. is considering whether to convert used 777 passenger jets into freighters, seeking to capitalize as booming e-commerce sales spur new demand for airfreight worldwide, sources familiar with the matter said.
Opinion: Trump Plan Unlikely to Spur Promised $1 Trillion in Infrastructure Investment
WASHINGTON — On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump reiterated his pledge to “Make America Great Again” by reinvesting in infrastructure projects around the country. The news was greeted favorably by not only voters, but also municipal governments and the transportation industry.
Trucking Industry Prospers Amid NAFTA Uncertainty
An unsuccessful renegotiation of NAFTA would hurt the best for-hire freight environment in nearly 40 years, American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello said. However, barring that “self-imposed risk,” this strong freight cycle could last an additional 18 months or more, he said.