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.
Lower Profits Expected at Hapag-Lloyd Despite Merger Plans
Hapag-Lloyd AG's share price fell the most since its initial public offering in November as a forecast of lower profit and a share-sale plan overshadowed a final deal to join forces with United Arab Shipping Co. to become the world’s fifth-largest container carrier.
Opinion: Hiring Right People Can Cut Driver Turnover
Intermodal drivers are the essential link in the global and domestic supply chains, providing the first- and last-mile service for every load. A healthy intermodal network depends upon an adequate and ready supply of drayage drivers. This, in turn, is dependent on the ability of these drivers to operate in the most productive environment, be treated as professionals and with respect and earn a reasonable living for their efforts.
July 18, 2016Editorial: Churn and Change for the TT100
We bring you in this issue, our annual report on the size, shape and nature of trucking: the Transport Topics Top 100 list of for-hire carriers, our habit since 1989.
July 18, 2016New Regulations, Technology to Disrupt Industry, TT100 Execs Say
Trucking companies continue to deal with an avalanche of safety and environmental regulations while bracing for potential disruption from new technology and changes in shipping patterns, said executives interviewed for Transport Topics' 2016 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers list, released July 18.
Refrigerated Trailers Still a Bright Spot, Aided by New Rules, Customer Demand
Tougher regulations, more carriers carrying more products and new consumer preferences drove the order boom for refrigerated trailers the past two years. They remain catalysts as the up cycle for these trailers continues, experts said.
Fleet Failures Accelerate in 2Q
Fleet failures, measured in the number of trucks pulled off the road, more than doubled in the second quarter on a year-over-year basis, but the resulting reduction in capacity isn’t enough to change the sluggish freight market truckers face, a new report said.
Takeaway: The Road Ahead
Trucking companies continue to deal with an avalanche of safety and environmental regulations while bracing for potential disruption from new technology and changes in shipping patterns.
FedEx Freight Adds Pricing Option Based on Distance, Dimensions
FedEx Freight has launched a freight box service that could have a big effect on the way less-than-truckload carriers charge customers, moving toward dimension- and distance-based pricing rather than the National Motor Freight Classification system, analysts said.
Facebook Group Established to Fight Drivers’ Depression
An Oklahoma man launched a Facebook group last month after two truck drivers that he knew committed suicide within two weeks of each other.
Commenters Question Sleep Apnea Plan
Although welcomed by medical professionals and nonprofit safety groups, the prospects of regulatory guidance for truck driver diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea continues to raise concerns in the trucking industry.