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.
Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected From 48-Year Low
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose by more than anticipated from a 48-year low while continuing to signal a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed March 8.
Navistar Caps Turnaround With Overhaul of Top Truck
Navistar International Corp. is rolling out the final installment of an all-new product lineup aimed at growing sales and keeping the once-struggling truck maker firmly in the black.
Hino Steps Into US Heavy-Duty Market
INDIANAPOLIS — Hino Trucks is expanding into the heavy-duty sector in the United States with the introduction March 7 of its new Classes 7 and 8 XL model series truck and tractor.
Starsky Robotics' Unmanned Truck Drives on Public Road in Florida
Along a rural stretch of sunny farmland in south-central Florida, a heavy-duty truck drove itself for seven miles on a public road with nobody on board the vehicle.
Jeff Harris Takes Over as TMC Chairman
Although trucking is undergoing rapid advancements in technology, Jeff Harris, the new general chairman of American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council, said the industry needs to get “back to the basics” when it comes to repairing equipment amid a massive industry shortage of technicians.
Eco Flaps’ Aerodynamic Splash Guards Demonstrate Fuel Savings
ATLANTA — A recent evaluation of Eco Flaps’ aerodynamic splash guards on less-than-truckload equipment resulted in significant fuel savings, the company announced at the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting March 7.
Meritor Technologies Keep Crossing Borders
ATLANTA — Meritor Inc.’s EX + L air disc brakes are soon to be standard on all new Freightliner Cascadia models, capping a component journey that began in Europe years ago.
Truck-Lite Announces Partners for Road Ready Trailer Telematics System
ATLANTA — Truck-Lite Co. announced two developments with its Road Ready trailer telematics system at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s annual meeting here — a partnership with five industry suppliers and an installation app.
Business Groups Say Time Is Now to Increase Gas Tax for Roads
The largest U.S. business lobby and the trucking industry joined forces to urge skeptical lawmakers to increase federal fuel taxes for the first time in a quarter century to raise money for crumbling roads and bridges.
TMC Honors Four With Silver Spark Plug Award
ATLANTA — The Technology & Maintenance Council presented four professionals with the Silver Spark Plug — its highest honor that recognizes professional excellence in commercial vehicle maintenance.