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.
Spot Market Skyrockets in Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
In the days after Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Houston area, longhaul spot market prices tripled, in some cases, to between $5,000 and $10,000, according to conversations with truck drivers.
Lyft to Unleash Self-Driving Cars on San Francisco Roads
Self-driving Lyfts are coming to the San Francisco Bay Area, promising to give local residents a first-hand look at the technology that’s poised to dramatically change the nature of transportation.
House Rejects Bid to Delay Dec. 18 ELD Mandate
A last-ditch effort in the U.S. House to delay the Dec. 18 mandate on electronic logging devices for trucks was soundly defeated Sept. 6.
House Passes Bill to Speed Introduction of Self-Driving Vehicles
U.S. House lawmakers passed a wide-ranging bill to speed the introduction of self-driving vehicles championed by tech and auto companies racing to develop and deploy the technology.
China Startup Races Tesla With Driverless Trucks in Arizona
A Chinese startup with powerful backing plans to test a fleet of self-driving trucks in Arizona and Shanghai next year, competing with Uber Technologies Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo in transforming the way goods are delivered.
September 7, 2017Carriers Face Congestion, Rerouting After Harvey Devastates Texas
Ports across Texas have gradually resumed operations and inundated highways are beginning to clear, but the intermodal chain still faces challenges in Hurricane Harvey’s wake.
Floridians Jam Gas Stations, Highways as Hurricane Irma Bears Down
MIAMI — Florida residents picked store shelves clean and long lines formed at gas pumps Sept. 6 as Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 monster with potentially catastrophic winds of 185 mph, steamed toward the Sunshine State and a possible direct hit on the Miami metropolitan area of nearly 6 million people.
September 7, 2017August Class 8 Orders Top 21,000, Foreshadow Production Gains in 2018
Class 8 Orders in August improved 49% year-over-year and pushed past 21,000, according to ACT Research Co.
New Ambassador Bridge to Dedicate One Lane for Pre-Screened Trucks
The new span of the Ambassador Bridge, which the Detroit International Bridge Co. recently obtained a permit to build, will include a lane dedicated to pre-approved trucks moving across the border, according to Dan Stamper, president of the company.
September 6, 2017Philadelphia Port Sees Continued Growth in Imports
The Philadelphia port continues to be on a roll, with more containerized freight, more liquid bulk cargoes, and more cars arriving at Philadelphia’s 15 piers and terminals on the Delaware River.