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.
Gauging an Engine’s Life Expectancy Starts with B-Life Rating
Engine makers are providing customers a gauge to help them determine how dependable and durable an engine is supposed to be, called a B-life rating. It’s regarded as the industry standard for measuring the life expectancy of an engine, but the figures are sometimes misunderstood.
New Engine Oils Coming in December
Two new types of engine oils are coming to market Dec. 1. The heavy-duty oil specification that has been used for nearly a decade will be replaced by CK-4 and FA-4, and this crucial development is one of the cover stories in this issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update.
IRS Proposal Could Rewrite Rules on How Certain Equipment Is Taxed
Determination of whether a truck will be used for on- or off-highway duty is central to a proposal from the Internal Revenue Service that could rewrite the rules on how certain equipment is taxed.
48-Volt Electrical System Could Revolutionize Heavy-Duty Trucks
Industry exhibitions of trucking technology would not be the same without trucks showcasing components, systems and features intended to hit the road in the future. Some examples of future componentry come to market quickly, others never make it into production. Meanwhile, others represent demonstrations of technology that might be integrated into Class 8 trucks decades down the road.
TravelCenters of America Rebuffed Buyout Overture
Truck stop operator TravelCenters of America confirmed June 16 it had rejected a nonbinding letter in December from a private equity firm asking to have confidential discussions about that firm possibly buying TA.
June 17, 2016ACT Research, Rhein Associates Publish Engine Outlook Report
ACT Research Co. and Rhein Associates published the inaugural edition of a new cooperative venture, the North American On-highway Commercial Vehicle Engine Outlook .
June 17, 2016FedEx to Settle Driver Lawsuits in 20 States for $240 Million
FedEx Ground Package System Inc. has agreed to pay drivers in 20 states $240 million to settle lawsuits claiming the second-largest U.S. parcel delivery company misclassified them as independent contractors, it said on June 16.
Ryder Opens Pre-Owned Commercial Truck Facility in Canada
Ryder System Inc. said it opened a new pre-owned commercial vehicle sales facility in Calgary, Alberta.
June 17, 2016Port of Virginia Container Volume Falls Almost 5% in May
Container volume in May at the Port of Virginia sank a bit year-over-year, but port officials said they saw the drop coming.
South Carolina Logistics Company Opens Second Location in Charleston
Wainwright Industries, part of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, announced plans on June 17 to add a second Charleston location to serve customers of the South Carolina Ports Authority.
June 17, 2016