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.
Senate Committee Approves Self-Driving Vehicles Bill Without Trucking Policy
An effort to attach trucking-centric provisions to Senate legislation on self-driving vehicles did not materialize during the bill’s consideration Oct. 4.
Service Industries Index at 12-Year High Following Storms
America’s service industries expanded in September at the fastest clip in 12 years, signaling vibrancy across the bulk of the economy following two major hurricanes, a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed Oct. 4.
Mining Giant Vies With Tech Firms for Workers in Push for Self-Driving Trucks
Rio Tinto Group, the world’s second-largest mining company, is focused as much on driver-less trucks and automated drills as conventional shovels and loaders these days. That means it needs a whole lot more high-tech workers.
FHWA Awards $1.5 Million Grant for Truck Reservation System at Va. Ports
Federal Highway Administration officials today awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Virginia Port Authority for a state-of-the-art truck reservation system that will save time for freight shippers.
Used Class 8 Sales Climb as Average Price Falls to Six-Year Low
Sales of used Class 8 trucks improved in August, rising 16% year-over-year, while the average price slipped to a six-year low, according to ACT Research Co.
Companies Add Fewest Workers in Nearly a Year, ADP Says
Companies last month added the fewest number of workers in nearly a year, reflecting a hit to the U.S. job market from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to data released Oct. 4 from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, New Jersey.
October 4, 2017ATA Chief Applauds Senators Supportive of Trucking Policy in Autonomous Bill
Efforts to include trucking-centric provisions in autonomous vehicle legislation that a committee will consider Oct. 4 were applauded by American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear.
Spot Market Activity Still Bustling One Month After Devastation of Harvey, Irma
One month after two devastating hurricanes ripped through Texas and Florida, spot market activity remains hectic across the country, setting records along the way.
White House Nominates Economist for Top Research, Technology Post at DOT
Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, was nominated for the post of assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Transportation for research and technology, the White House announced on Sept. 28.
Australia Expands Use of Caterpillar’s Self-Driving Truck Technology
Self-driving truck technology being developed by Caterpillar Inc. at its Tucson, Ariz., division headquarters will soon be used more extensively by iron ore mines in Australia