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.
February Class 8 Sales Fall 11%
U.S. Class 8 retail sales in February fell below 16,000 units, down 11% from a year earlier, as most truck makers saw declines while inventories remained high and favorable deals were increasingly possible, analysts said.
High-Profile Accidents Prompt Insurers to Cut Truck Coverage
Costly, high-profile accident losses are transforming the trucking insurance market, potentially raising costs and tightening pressure on fleets to improve safety and reduce risk, industry experts said.
Heavy-Haul Fleets Require Large-Scale Attention to Preventive Maintenance
When it comes to heavy-haul fleets, lubrication and inspection are high on the preventive maintenance priority list, short intervals for oil drains are commonplace and tires are an even higher expense to manage because of excessive wear, executives said.
Diesel Average Gains 7.8¢ to $2.099; Biggest Increase Since February 2013
The U.S. average retail diesel price rose for a fourth consecutive week in the biggest climb in a single week since 2013, as it marched after higher oil prices.
UPS to Invest Another $100 Million to Expand Its Natural-Gas Network
UPS Inc. will invest an additional $100 million to expand its network of natural gas-powered freight transportation. The expansion will include building 12 more private fueling stations and buying 380 more heavy- duty tractors, the company said.
March 21, 2016Officials Say Regulating Medical Examiners Has Detected More Drivers With Ailments
A nearly 2-year-old requirement that physicians administering truck driver medical exams be trained and certified appears to have strengthened federal regulators’ ability to weed out drivers with potentially unsafe medical conditions, according to a top regulatory official.
FedEx’s Profits Increase 18% On Growth at Express Unit
FedEx Corp. last week said its fiscal third-quarter net income rose 18% to $692 million, or $2.51 per share, excluding one-time costs and powered solely by higher profits at its Express unit.
FMCSA Plan Aims to Ease Transition for Veterans to Obtain Civilian CDLs
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration last week issued a proposed rule that would make it easier for military personnel to transition into civilian careers in the truck and bus industry.
Combating Driver Distraction, Fatigue
Advances in technology are giving trucking companies increasingly sophisticated ways to combat distracted and drowsy driving — two of the biggest threats to fleet safety.
Suppliers Offer Systems That Monitor Drivers’ Faces for Alertness
Several technology suppliers are offering onboard systems that monitor the driver’s face for signs of distraction or drowsiness.