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.
Economy Doing Just Fine But 3% Growth Still a Challenge
Despite fourth-quarter U.S. growth missing forecasts, the world’s largest economy is doing just fine. The latest results also underscore just how challenging it will be to reach President Donald Trump’s goal of a sustained 3% pace.
January 26, 2018Amthor International Expands Virginia Trailer Plant
Amthor International announced it will expand its tanker truck manufacturing operation in Gretna, Va., with the construction of a new 115,000-square-foot production plant, which become its corporate headquarters.
January 26, 2018Orders for Durable Goods Increase by Most in Six Months
Orders placed with U.S. factories for durable goods increased in December by the most in six months, providing more evidence of a bustling industrial sector.
FedEx to Spend $3.2 Billion in Tax Reform Savings on Staff, Operations
FedEx Corp. ramped up staff pay boosts and corporate investments arising from the December passage of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, saying it would spend more than $3.2 billion to increase employee compensation, bulk up the company’s pension plan and invest in several of its hubs.
Concerned About Self-Driving Cars? You’re Not Alone
As automakers push aggressive time frames for introducing driverless vehicles, the outreach needed to convince the public that the technology represents a positive development appears still to be wanting.
Mayors, Ambassadors Urge NAFTA Preservation as Talks Press On
WASHINGTON—Mayors and ambassadors expressed an earnest desire to modernize — and not abandon — the North American Free Trade Agreement during a meeting here, citing the pact as a vital source of jobs and commerce.
Infrastructure Bill Has Potential for Bipartisanship in Congress, Secretary Chao Says
President Donald Trump’s signature legislative goal for 2018, a long-term infrastructure funding proposal, is likely to bring feuding Republicans and Democrats together to the negotiating table following a bruising immigration debate that resulted in a mini-shutdown of the federal government.
4Q GDP Growth Less Than Expected, but Trucking Outlook Still Good
The U.S. economy expanded at a slower-than-projected pace in the fourth quarter on drags from trade and inventories, offsetting strength in consumer spending and business investment that signals solid momentum entering 2018.
January 26, 2018Mayors Fear the Status of TIGER Grants in Infrastructure Plan
WASHINGTON— Mayors have expressed concern over the future of federal funding programs with regard to how the White House plans to fund the $1 trillion infrastructure investment it hopes to reap over the next 10 years.
Used Class 8 Prices Up in December; Sales Slip on Fewer Days
The average used Class 8 vehicle in December sold for a higher price, had less mileage and was slightly newer compared with a year earlier, according to ACT Research Co.