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.
Industrial Vacancy Rates Fall to All-Time Low, Rents Rise
The vacancy rate in 2017’s fourth quarter for industrial space in the United States fell to an all-time low of 5%, down from 5.2% in the previous quarter, according to JLL, a research arm of real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle. But industrial space is even more precious in top logistics markets like Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, where vacancy rates have fallen below 3%.
February 1, 2018Port Houston Sets Record for Container Volume in 2017
Port Houston broke its record for traffic in a year due to strength in the transportation of steel, wind energy equipment and automobiles, according to the port authority, which also is confident the numbers will grow with the plastin resin boom in the Gulf Coast.
Voice of the Driver 2: Best Practices for Recruiting and Retention
For the past decade and a half, those who predicted the driver shortage have offered their advice on curbing the shortage. While an abundance of information like this exists, it lacks one of the main insights companies can use to overcome the shortage and high turnover – the voice of truck drivers.
February 1, 2018Self-Driving Cars Need Humans Less and Less, California Data Shows
The robot cars test-driving on California roads seem to need their human overseers less and less.
Daimler AG Reports Record Sales in 2017
Diversified manufacturer Daimler AG reported it sold a record 3.3 million vehicles in 2017 — including a 13% increase in truck sales — as full-year revenue and earnings also peaked amid a strong fourth quarter.
Manufacturing Expands at Close to Quickest Pace Since 2004
U.S. factories expanded more than forecast in January and near the fastest pace in more than 13 years, indicating manufacturing was still powering ahead at the start of 2018, Institute for Supply Management data showed Feb. 1.
February 1, 2018Analysis: UPS Makes Shareholders Wait to Celebrate
UPS Inc. is doing right by President Donald Trump’s standards, but that’s hardly what shareholders want to see right now.
Editorial: Time for a Deal on Infrastructure
In his first State of the Union address last week, President Donald Trump highlighted several major issues that are near and dear to the trucking industry, starting with the nation’s pressing need to rebuild its crumbling roads and bridges. Now is the moment for our nation’s leaders to turn the talk into action and find a way to close the deal.
February 1, 2018FMCSA Seeks Comment on National Consumer Complaint Database
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment on ways the agency can improve its online National Consumer Complaint Database. The database allows the public and drivers to file complaints against unsafe and unscrupulous motor carriers and their employees.
Cargo Thefts Drop as Police, Fleets Fight Back
Cargo thefts fell 36% in the fourth quarter of 2017, a continuation of a steady drop as fleets addressed the issue and states with large cargo hubs devoted more law enforcement manpower to the problem, according to CargoNet.