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.
Truck-Rail Freight Falls 5.5% in 2nd Quarter
Truck-rail freight in the second quarter fell by 5.5%, the largest year-over-year decline since late 2009. The fall was driven by a weak economy, a market share skirmish with over-the-road trucking and 2015 market dislocations that inflated shipments last spring, industry experts said.
Lawmaker Says Tax Plan in 2017 to Fix Trust Fund
WASHINGTON — A congressional tax-writing committee will include in a tax-reform package next year, a long-term plan to keep the Highway Trust Fund sustainable, the House lawmaker tasked with overseeing highway funding told Transport Topics.
Campaign for Teamsters President Begins
The stage is set for the fall Teamsters union election, with incumbent James Hoffa campaigning for a five-year term and insurgent Fred Zuckerman, current president of a Kentucky local, seeking to unseat Hoffa after three terms.
Recap: LiveOnWeb Chat on Trucking Automation
Bewildered, or impressed, by coming new technologies such as autonomous trucks, platooning and vehicle-to-vehicle communications? Our Technology Editor, Seth Clevenger, took questions in a special LiveOnWeb text-based chat on July 18. Check out the recap.
July 15, 2016Trucking Enters the Age of Automation
Self-driving trucks, once regarded largely as the stuff of science fiction, appear to be on the verge of becoming a reality on the nation’s highways.
Truck Platooning Could Reach Market in 2017
Interest in truck platooning continues to grow as manufacturers and suppliers showcase the technology and one company prepares for a commercial launch of its product.
States Passing Legislation to Clear Way for Platooning Tests
Regulators and elected officials are beginning to carve out a framework that could help pave the way for the real-world use of vehicle platooning and automation.
Drivers Win $5 Million in Settlement With Trucking Companies
A group of trucking companies in Southern California will pay $5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by drivers who alleged that they were improperly treated as independent contractors, according to a court filing July 14.
Connected Vehicles Could Boost Safety
Wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication is playing an increasingly important role in the development of more advanced vehicle automation and driver-assist features. A possible federal mandate of the technology could accelerate that movement.
Commercial Vehicle Inspectors to Conduct Brake Checks Sept. 11-17
Commercial vehicle inspectors will be out in force beginning Sept. 11 to conduct brake system inspections on large trucks and buses throughout North America.