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.
Record Rainfall Slows Operations at FedEx Hub
FedEx Corp. warned customers of possible delivery delays on March 11 after record rainfall at Memphis International Airport affected the company's world hub.
Port of Virginia Container Volume Rebounds
After a three-month lull, container volume at the Port of Virginia’s terminals bounced back significantly in February, increasing nearly 24% from the same month a year ago.
FourKites Adds Cellphone Tracking Feature for Brokers
Technology provider FourKites has added a feature for brokers that allows tracking of loads without using an app on a driver’s cellphone.
March 14, 2016Alabama Truckers Chafe at Strict Enforcement of Truck Routes Ordinance
The Decatur (Ala.) Police Department has issued 120 citations since Dec. 1, when enforcement of the city’s new truck routes ordinance resumed and the strict enforcement has created anger and confusion as local truckers try to figure out what the city considers the “most direct route” to a destination.
Oil Producers Said Likely to Meet in April on Output Freeze
Major oil producers are likely to meet in April to discuss a proposal to freeze output at January levels to stabilize the market, according to four Gulf OPEC delegates.
TCA Changes Weight Policy, Breaking With ATA on Issue
LAS VEGAS — The Truckload Carriers Association has changed its truck weight policy, breaking with American Trucking Associations on the issue and putting the groups at loggerheads for the second time in several months.
Study Finds Additional Research Needed to Better Understand Driver Fatigue
While there is some evidence that fatigue among truck drivers increases the risk of crashes, questions remain about effective ways to minimize that risk, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
E-Logging Mandate Will Tighten Capacity, Prompt More Shipper-Fleet Cooperation
LAS VEGAS — Shippers that capitalize on today’s looser capacity environment by insisting on rate reductions instead of maintaining long-term carrier relationships can expect difficulty finding trucks when electronic logging devices become mandatory late next year, industry experts said.
Letters: On Platooning, Exemption Fatigue
While “platooning” of heavy vehicles appears to have some viability, Google’s vaunted, autonomous car recorded its first at-fault accident only last month. The reality is, platooning cannot control the actions of other motorists.
March 14, 2016Editorial: This Week, It's Driver Rules
Truck drivers get almost as much attention as Donald Trump, even though drivers generally have a sense of decorum and don’t crave the limelight.
March 14, 2016