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.
May Tonnage Climbs 5.7%
Truck tonnage climbed 5.7% on a year-over-year basis in May and also increased from April, helped by stronger consumer demand and a long-awaited drop in inventories, American Trucking Associations reported.
Opinion: Pre-buying Could Cost Fleets in the Long Run
The trucking industry is notorious for pre-buying trucks before each Environmental Protection Agency-mandated change in heavy-truck engines. Many fleets do so because they are concerned about the reliability of the new technology, or they are trying to avoid the increased cost of new technology. Both are valid concerns.
June 27, 2016Editorial: Independence and Infrastructure
As the pursuit of happiness in freight transportation and other aspects of life propels us toward the Fourth of July, a couple of milestones popped concerning our constant companion — infrastructure.
June 27, 2016Trucking Share Prices Remain Volatile After Lengthy Downturn, Analysts Say
Trucking stocks continue to ride the roller coaster — mostly down — that they have been on for the past year with little sign of positive momentum to push prices back up, according to five trucking and freight analysts.
First Electric Highway Opens in Sweden
Siemens AG, based in Germany, opened the world’s first eHighway on June 22 in Sweden, which will use overhead catenary wires to power diesel trucks as a green alternative to traditional diesel fuel.
June 24, 2016Rand McNally Launches New Safety Dashcams
Rand McNally, based in Skokie, Illinois, launched three new models of dashboard cameras on June 23 to assist with accidents and safety documentation.
June 24, 2016May’s Used-Truck Sales Fall; Average Price Flat
Sales of used Class 8 trucks in May fell by 10% year-over-year, ACT Research Co. reported.
June 24, 2016Supersize Panama Canal Could Increase Houston's Direct Trade With Asia
Years of construction, delay and anticipation will crest on June 26 as the first containership officially traverses the expanded Panama Canal. While the Central American channel has not always been a significant trade route for the Port of Houston Authority, officials say the expansion could help boost its burgeoning trade with Asia.
Kion to Acquire Warehouse Robot Firm for $2.1 Billion
German forklift maker Kion Group AG agreed to buy robot maker Dematic for about $2.1 billion to expand in the United States and tap demand from Amazon.com and other online retailers as they look to automate warehouses.
Consumer Sentiment Fades at End of June on Economic Outlook
American consumers became slightly more downbeat at the end of June than earlier in the month on concerns about the economy’s progress even before possible repercussions stemming from the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union.