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.
Americans’ Economic Expectations Decline to an Eight-Month Low
Americans’ expectations about the economy deteriorated in July to an eight-month low as fewer households viewed conditions as improving, according to figures from the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released July 20.
Amazon Fulfillment Center Planned Near Cleveland, on Former Mall Site
An Amazon.com fulfillment center could bring more than 1,200 jobs to the long-ailing village of North Randall, Ohio. Across the country, the e-commerce giant is disrupting the traditional retail business and contributing to shopping malls’ struggles. In Northeast Ohio, though, Amazon is literally replacing them. The North Randall project, an 855,000-square-foot building, would occupy approximately 69 acres of the former Randall Park Mall site.
Truck Drivers in New York Ratify Contract With United Natural Foods
Truck drivers in Montgomery, N.Y., voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement with private carrier United Natural Foods Inc., the first contract since they joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in 2016.
Rail Hot Streak Continues: Union Pacific Profits Up 19%, Beat Estimates
Freight rail carrier Union Pacific Corp. announced July 20 that profits jumped 19% in the second quarter after CSX Corp. and Canadian Pacific Railway posted strong gains earlier in the week.
Calif. Ports Clean Air Plan Calls for Zero-Emissions Trucks
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach released their proposed 2017 Clean Air Action Plan Update, which calls for zero-emissions trucks, increased use of rail for outbound cargo and support for alternative fuels.
FMCSA Chief: CSA to Have Public Meeting, Defends ELD Mandate
WASHINGTON — A meeting to gather input on ways to improve the Compliance, Safety, Accountability performance scoring program for carriers will be scheduled this year, the country’s top trucking regulator told House lawmakers on July 18.
Canadian Pacific Posts Strong 2Q Showing, Profits Up 46%
Canadian Pacific Railway continued a positive second quarter for rail freight carriers with profits jumping 46% due to growth in business in intermodal and the transportation of grain, potash, metals and minerals.
C.H. Robinson Profits Drop 22% in 2Q, Falling Far Short of Analyst Forecasts
C.H. Robinson announced profits plunged 22% in the second quarter compared with a year ago, coming up well short of the lackluster Bloomberg News consensus forecast of industry analysts.
Mack’s Second-Quarter Orders Surge 58%
For the second consecutive quarter, Mack Trucks delivered fewer trucks than a year ago but received a surge in orders, as a result of an active construction segment and slowly improving freight environment in North America.
FleetPride Expands in Texas
Aftermarket distributor FleetPride opened a second branch in Houston to enhance customer service in southeast Texas.
July 19, 2017