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.
Caterpillar Boosts Its Outlook as the Global Recovery Gains Traction
Caterpillar Inc. is strengthening its forecast for a first annual sales increase in five years, thanks largely to construction in China.
July 25, 2017Werner Enterprises Profits Jump 27% on Strong Truckload Performance
Werner Enterprises Inc. scored a rare win for the truckload industry as profits increased 27% in the second quarter, easily surpassing the growth in the consensus forecast of industry analysts.
Swift Posts Decline in Profits, Freight Revenue for Second Quarter
Swift Transportation Co., North America’s largest truckload carrier, saw its profits and freight revenue decrease during the second quarter compared with the same time in 2016.
House Panel Approves Self-Driving Measure That Pre-empts State Regulations
The U.S. House Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection unanimously approved a legislative markup July 19 to advance self-driving vehicle technology. Navigating the autonomous vehicle landscape has been difficult because of the traditional boundaries it breaks.
Government Watchdog Criticizes FMCSA’s Information Technology Systems
A government watchdog has issued a searing review of some of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s most critical information technology systems used to monitor the safety of motor carriers.
IMF Sees US Fading as Global Growth Engine
The world is leaning less on its biggest economy to sustain the global recovery, according to the International Monetary Fund.
With Two Industrial Parks on the Horizon, Illinois County Hopes to Adopt Freight Plan
With proposals for two large scale industrial parks in the works — in Crete, Ill. and Elwood, Ill. — Will County officials say they hope their soon-to-be-adopted Community Friendly Freight Mobility Plan will help local leaders minimize the impacts of these sizable projects.
July 24, 2017Port Panama City Moves Forward on New East Terminal
The Panama City Port Authority on July 20 moved forward with plans for its new East Terminal.
July 24, 2017Class 8 Production Hits 19-Month High
North American Class 8 production reached a 19-month high in June after stronger orders earlier this year, according to ACT Research Co.
July 24, 2017Powering Up: Fleets Investing in In-Cab Power for Driver Medical Devices
CPAP machines need a continuous source of power. This can be a challenge for drivers on the road, particularly as the required power draw on trucks has increased with the addition of onboard electronic control modules and drivers’ increased desire to operate the electrical components for comfort and enjoyment.