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.
Traffic Costs Industry $49.6 Billion During 2014, ATRI Study Shows
Traffic congestion on the nation’s highways added more than $49.6 billion in operational costs for the trucking industry in 2014, according to a study released April 19 by the American Transportation Research Institute.
Hours Capped at 73 a Week in Senate Transport Bill
WASHINGTON — A fiscal 2017 transportation funding bill that would set at 73 hours the allowable time per week truckers may work before taking a break, was advanced by a Senate panel April 21.
Difficult Freight Market Hurts Truckload Earnings
The initial round of first-quarter truckload earnings sounded a negative note, with three of four large carriers reporting weaker results in a tough freight environment.
FMCSA Requires Use of New Health Form Detailing More Thorough Medical Histories
A new version of the commercial vehicle driver medical examination report form requires truckers to provide more thorough medical histories and answer more questions.
Celadon Founder Russell Passes Away
Stephen Russell, founder and former CEO of Celadon Group Inc., died April 15 of natural causes. He was 76.
Diesel, Gasoline Averages Both Increase
The U.S. retail average price for diesel and gasoline each had the biggest spike in six weeks amid volatility in oil prices, analysts said.
States Struggle to Pass Fuel-Tax Hikes in 2016
Eleven states considered raising fuel taxes this year, but none have yet passed legislation, unlike last year, when eight states did.
Four Families Settle Georgia Truck Accident Lawsuits
Total Transportation of Mississippi, the employer of a tractor-trailer driver blamed for a fiery interstate crash that killed five Georgia nursing students, has agreed to settle multiple wrongful death lawsuits for large sums, with at least one victim’s family receiving $14 million, attorneys in the case said April 20.
April 22, 2016Bipartisan Policy Center to Unveil Infrastructure Recommendations May 16
The Bipartisan Policy Center plans to unveil on May 16 a paper detailing ways policymakers may improve the country’s infrastructure, as part of Infrastructure Week.
April 22, 2016European Truck Makers Daimler, Volvo Report Lower First-Quarter Net Income
European truckmakers Daimler AG and Volvo Group reported lower net income for the first quarter amid a softer North American market.
April 22, 2016