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.
NTSB Chairman Hart Upbeat About Automated Vehicles
WASHINGTON — Automated vehicles can be the biggest asset in improving the safety of America’s roads, Christopher Hart, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, said in a speech June 30 at the National Press Club.
Oil Prices Surge 4%, Brent Back Above $50
NEW YORK — Oil prices surged 4% on June 30, with Brent settling above the psychological $50 a barrel mark, after a larger-than-expected drawdown in U.S. crude inventories.
UPS Reaches Tentative Five-Year Deal With Pilots Union
UPS Inc. reached a tentative agreement with the pilots union on a five-year labor contract after protracted negotiations over the last several years. Details of the agreement will not be released until it is presented to the UPS pilots.
June 30, 2016Geotab Introduces Rugged Telematics Device
Telematics provider Geotab introduced a telematics device, Go Rugged, intended for harsh outdoor environments and developed for fleets with industrial heavy-duty and service vehicles.
June 30, 2016Why Will the Feds Let Robots Drive Trucks but Not Trains?
Peter Mills sees an inconsistency. One arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation is recommending two-person crews be required for freight trains as another plans to spend billions to help develop driverless technology for longhaul trucks.
J.B. Hunt Opens Sales Offices in Texas and Maine
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., based out of Lowell, Arkansas, has opened two new sales branches in San Antonio and Portland, Maine.
June 30, 2016July 4 Weekend Traffic Deaths Seen Jumping to Highest Level Since 2008
U.S. traffic fatalities over the Independence Day weekend will probably climb this year to the most since 2008 as an improved economy and lower gas prices encourage more people to get behind the wheel, a safety group said.
North Central Utility Breaks Ground on Minnesota Dealership
North Central Utility has broken ground on a dealership in Mankato, Minnesota.
June 30, 2016Central Jersey Students Win ‘Be Ready. Be Buckled.' Contest
A bright red 18-wheeler traveling down a hill overlooking a skyline and an ocean liner next to an impressive billboard promoting a safety message, and a school bus approaching celebrants at a green park were the top drawings in this year’s “Be Ready. Be Buckled.” art contest.
June 30, 2016InstiCo Express Acquires Trucking Assets
InstiCo Express, the truckload unit of third-party logistics company InstiCo Freight Management Inc., has acquired trucking assets from Morrison Road Transportation to expand the buyer’s service options and network.
June 30, 2016