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.
US Transportation Activity Rises Moderately, Fed Says
Transportation activity in the United States rose moderately in late February and March, with several areas of the country reporting increases in freight volumes, the Federal Reserve reported.
April 13, 2016Los Angeles Port Volume Falls in March, But First-Quarter Total Sets Record
The Port of Los Angeles, the largest U.S. container port, reported a 23% drop in March business, which was affected by comparisons to the distorted cargo trends last year that featured congestion related to the final stages of labor contract negotiations.
April 13, 2016Commenters Raise Concerns Over Proposed Behind-the-Wheel Hours Requirement
Many in the trucking industry say the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s proposed entry-level driver training rule requirement that students log at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training time could exacerbate the nation’s driver shortage.
Energy Department Trims US Oil Production Forecast
U.S. crude oil production is expected to fall more this year and in 2017 than had been expected, and that should lead to a slow rise in crude oil and retail diesel and gasoline prices, the Department of Energy said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook released April 12.
Port of Houston Aims to be Distribution Hub for Center of Country
As trade through the Port of Houston grows, the city's ability to attract more cargo and keep its top ranking hinges on the infrastructure that keeps goods moving.
Retail Sales Unexpectedly Fall as Consumers Scrimp
Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly fell in March, raising concern that consumer spending is losing momentum.
Wholesale Prices Unexpectedly Fall as Margins Shrink
Wholesale prices in the United States unexpectedly fell in March for a second month, showing inflation is still well-contained as Federal Reserve officials weigh whether further increases in the benchmark interest rate are warranted.
Daimler Trucks North America to Recall Nearly 9,000 Trucks With HVAC Units That Could Overheat
Daimler Trucks North America announced that it will voluntarily recall nearly 9,000 model year 2015-2016 Freightliner Cascadia trucks manufactured from March 24, 2014, through November 9, 2015, over the possibility of an overheated connection on Bergstrom Parksmart HVAC auxiliary units.
April 12, 2016CSX First-Quarter Earnings Tumble 19%, Hurt by Sharp Drop in Coal Market
CSX Corp. kicked off the first-quarter earnings reporting season on a down note as net income fell 19% to $356 million, or 37 cents per share, and revenue dipped 14% to $2.62 billion, including a drop of 37% in coal traffic.
April 12, 2016Ports Plan Major Investments in Infrastructure
Large-scale infrastructure projects along ports and freight corridors are expected to receive a major boost over the next five years from port operators and investors, the American Association of Port Authorities found in a recent survey.