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.
Jobless Claims Climbed Less Than Forecast Last Week
Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits last week rose less than economists forecast as the number of dismissals stayed consistent with a firm labor market.
Orders for Durable Goods Decline in Broad-Based Slowdown
Orders for durable goods fell in February for the third time in four months, reflecting a broad-based slowdown that underscores lingering softness in U.S. capital investment.
Volvo Starts Interim Repair Process for 15,835 Recalled Trucks
Volvo Trucks North America has begun distributing interim repair information to address the recall of 15,835 of its 2016 and 2017 models in the United States for a steering shaft defect that has prompted both the manufacturer and the U.S. government to urge that the units be taken out of service immediately.
Trucking-Software Startup Convoy Picks Up $16 Million Load of Venture Capital
Convoy, a Seattle trucking-software startup, has pulled in $16 million from investors.
Panama Canal Expansion Seen Open by July After Years of Setbacks
The expansion of the Panama Canal, a $5.3 billion project almost two years behind schedule and plagued by cost overruns and contractor disputes, is expected to be opened by the end of June, according to the agency that operates the waterway.
Sales of New Homes Rebounded in February on Jump in West
Purchases of new homes climbed in February for the fourth time in the past five months as demand snapped back in the western United States.
FHWA Releases $1 Million in Emergency Funds For Louisiana
The Federal Highway Administration has made $1 million in emergency funds available to Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development in the wake of floods that swamped the state this month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced on March 23.
Virginia Port Officials, Buoyed by State's $350 Million Aid, See Bright Future, Some Rough Water
At the Virginia Port Authority board meeting, there was a nearly euphoric sense of gratitude in the wake of the General Assembly’s OK of a $350 million state-backed bond deal – driven by Gov. Terry McAuliffe – supporting the growth of the port’s biggest container terminal, Norfolk International Terminals.
Volvo Introduces New Engine, Powertrain Enhancements
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Volvo Trucks North America introduced a suite of new products, including 2017 engines as well as powertrain enhancements with the common goals of enhancing customers’ fuel efficiency and driver experience.
US to Tighten Security for Air, Rail, Port Facilities in Wake of Brussels Bombings
The U.S. government is stepping up security measures in response to the March 22 bombings in Brussels as President Barack Obama pledged to do whatever is necessary to help bring the perpetrators to justice.