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.
Fuel Efficiency Driving Greater Use of Smaller Engines
With more regulations on greenhouse-gas emissions and fuel economy coming soon, smaller engines are one of the latest equipment trends, according to one of the cover stories in this issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update.
Fatal Crashes, Fatalities Involving Large Trucks Declined From 2013 to 2014, FMCSA Says
The number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes decreased in 2014 by 5%, to 3,744 from 3,921 in 2013, according to a report released April 15 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Leaf Spring Vs. Air Ride: Opinions Differ on Suspensions
Maryland-based Ramar Moving Systems hauls specialty items such as art, satellites and, once, a moon buggy.
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie Says Transportation Fund Plan Up to State Legislature
Governor Chris Christie, responding to Democratic calls for him to replenish the multibillion-dollar fund for New Jersey highway and rail projects, said it was lawmakers’ responsibility to introduce a plan.
Shellshocked by Nut Case: Ring of Thieves in California Proves Tough to Crack
MODESTO, Calif. — The truck company appeared legitimate, though the paperwork was a bit sloppy. But after a few calls, the broker told Horizon Nut Co. to load 45,000 pounds of shelled pistachios and send it to the East Coast.
Consumer Sentiment Falls on Concerns Over Wages, Elections
Consumer confidence unexpectedly fell in April to the weakest level in seven months as Americans were rattled by unsatisfying wage growth and concern over how the upcoming presidential election would impact the economy.
Manufacturing Output Falls by Most Since February 2015
U.S. manufacturing output unexpectedly declined in March by the most since February 2015, indicating factories remain scarred by global challenges that are slow to dissipate.
FMCSA Orders Some Hazmat Tank Operators Inspected in Alabama to Be Re-Inspected
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on April 15 issued a safety advisory notifying the owners and operators of cargo tanks inspected by two testers in Alabama that they must be re-inspected.
New North American Trucking Supershow Slated for Atlanta in September 2017
Companies from Canada and Germany said they will launch a new event focused on the commercial fleet and heavy-duty truck market in Atlanta in late September of 2017.
Wabco Holdings Adds Nearly $1 Billion in Incremental New Business
Commercial vehicle supplier Wabco Holdings Inc. said that from the second quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016 it entered into contracts in local currencies with customers across the globe that total $918 million of “expected cumulative incremental business.”
April 14, 2016