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.
Pending Home Sales Increase for First Time in Three Months
A gauge of signed contracts to purchase previously-owned U.S. homes increased in February for the first time in three months, highlighting uneven progress in the industry, according to data released March 28 from the National Association of Realtors in Washington.
March 28, 2018Google Backs Startup Working on Remote-Controlled Driverless Cars
Gradient Ventures, an early-stage venture fund within Google, is leading a $6 million investment in a new company that’s building software to let humans control cars remotely.
March 28, 2018FMCSA Seeking Public Comment on Rules for Automated Commercial Vehicles
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment through May 10 on regulations that may need to be updated, modified or eliminated to “facilitate the safe introduction of automated driving systems for commercial motor vehicles.”
Supply Chain Technology Leads M&A Wish List
A flurry of recent investments and merger and acquisition activity suggests 2018 could be an active year for purchases in third-party logistics and for technology firms that provide usable data and an open view of the supply chain.
MATS Draws Drivers and Recruiters in Hot Freight Market
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Vendors selling everything a truck driver could want filled the West Wing of the Mid-America Trucking Show like an industrial-grade flea market. Alongside them, fleet recruiters angled from their booths to chat with drivers who strolled the crowded aisles.
Warehouses Are Now Worth More Than Offices, Thanks to Amazon
While China slams the brakes on buying trophy properties and the retail apocalypse draws nigh, something less sexy but striking is going on in real estate.
Economic Growth Revised Higher on Spending, Inventories
The U.S. economy grew in the fourth quarter at a faster pace than last estimated, helped by an upward revision to household spending on services and a smaller drag from inventories, according to Commerce Department data released March 28.
Dana Adds to Offer for UK-based Driveline Operation
Dana Inc. announced it has upped its offer for the driveline division of United Kingdom-based GKN plc by $140 million to $1.77 billion, an 8.6% increase.
March 27, 2018FIU Bridge Collapse Unlikely to Dull Popularity of ABC Building Method, Experts Say
Despite urgent concerns over the cause of the recent collapse of a pedestrian bridge in Miami, experts agree that accelerated bridge construction (ABC) will remain a popular method for building spans.
FedEx’s Courville Wins Top Honors in Louisiana Truck Championships
Eric Courville, a FedEx Freight driver for more than two decades, took home the grand champion honors at the Louisiana State Truck Driving Championships March 23-24.