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.
Fleets Rely on In-House, Outside Expertise to Keep Onboard Technology Up and Running
The rapid expansion of onboard technology — electronic logging devices, telematics systems and in-cab video — brings with it the challenge of servicing this equipment. Ensuring that repairs are handled quickly is essential to maximizing utilization and staying compliant with the ELD mandate.
Indiana Airport Mulls Expansion Into International Freight
Could the airport in South Bend, Ind., be transformed into a rail-to-air freight hub for international shipping companies that would create hundreds of jobs?
Trailer Makers Flooded With 33,000 Orders in February
U.S. trailer orders in February hit 33,000 units, setting a record for the month provided the preliminary figures hold, but concerns are mounting that tariffs on foreign aluminum and steel are pushing up trailer prices.
Report: Uber Keen to Sell Self-Driving Technology to Toyota
Ride-hailing company Uber is in talks to start selling its self-driving technology to Toyota Motor, Japanese media reported March 16.
March 16, 2018Should Self-Driving Cars Be on the Road Before Safety Regs Are in Place? Dianne Feinstein Says ‘No’
The senior U.S. senator from the country’s most tech-savvy state has for months blocked a bill championed by some of California’s biggest tech companies that would cut regulations and get self-driving cars onto roads sooner — and she made it clear March 14 she’s not backing down.
Factory Output Rebounds in February and Exceeds Estimates
U.S. factory production bounced back in February, far exceeding analyst estimates and showing a key part of the economy is on track for steady growth this quarter, Federal Reserve data showed March 16.
Housing Starts Cooled in February After Robust January
U.S. new-home construction cooled by more than expected in February on a reversal in the volatile multifamily category, while building remained on pace to contribute to economic growth this quarter, government figures showed March 16.
Editorial: A Hard Day’s Work (Truck)
In fairly short order, truck manufacturers have made a series of announcements about new and updated vocational trucks that soon will be hitting the markets.
March 15, 2018Class 8 Sales Rocket to Nearly 17,000 in February
U.S. retail sales of Class 8 trucks shot up 49% in February to nearly 17,000 units as all but one truck maker posted high double-digit gains.
Jobless Claims Decline for Third Time in Four Weeks
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell for the third time in four weeks and remain near the lowest level in 48 years, underscoring tightness in the job market, Labor Department figures showed March 14.