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.
Spear Names Four Executive Vice Presidents at ATA
American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear named the first four members of his leadership team on July 21.
Daimler Second-Quarter Earnings Rise but U.S. Heavy-Duty Orders Plunge
Daimler AG, the world’s largest truck manufacturer, reported that second-quarter net profit rose 3% to $2.64 billion — or $2.50 per diluted share — powered by sales of cars and vans even as U.S. orders for medium- and heavy-duty trucks plunged.
July 21, 2016Elon Musk Announces Tesla Plan to Build Heavy Trucks
Elon Musk unveiled his latest “master plan” for Tesla Motors Inc., delivering a long-term vision that includes an integrated solar and battery product, the addition of a pickup, freight truck and bus to its electric vehicle lineup and plans for a ride-sharing business.
FMCSA to Increase Some HOS Exemptions From Two Years to Five
Provisions in the 2015 FAST Act will extend the exemptions from hours-of-service requirements from two years to five years for certain motor carriers, according to a July 21 announcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
DOT Awards Emergency Funds to Wisconsin
Wisconsin transportation officials will receive $4.15 million in federal aid to fix roads and bridges destroyed during recent floods, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced July 20.
July 21, 2016Shell Rotella Rolls Out New Engine Oils
WASHINGTON — Manufacturer Shell Rotella rolled out its new lineup of lubricating oils designed to maintain the hotter-burning diesel engines coming in January 2017 and beyond.
Sales of Existing Homes Rise to Highest Level in Nine Years
Sales of previously owned homes unexpectedly climbed in June to the highest level in more than nine years, giving a boost to residential real estate as it approached the end of its busy selling season.
SC Ports Authority Posts 2016 Fiscal Year Volume Increase
The South Carolina Ports Authority reported growth of container volume and breakbulk tonnage at its Charleston facilities and significant increases in rail volume at Inland Port Greer during the 2016 fiscal year that ended June 30.
July 21, 2016Landstar Second Quarter Earnings Drop 20%; Marten 2Q Net Rises 2.1%
Landstar System Inc. net income tumbled 20%, hurt by a combination of weaker trucking results and accident costs, while Marten Transport Ltd. earnings rose 2.1%, helped by dedicated and intermodal results as well as gains on equipment sales.
July 21, 2016FedEx Breaks Ground on $15 Million Indiana Terminal
Workers have broken ground on a $15 million FedEx Freight terminal in South Bend, Indiana.