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.
Boeing Plans Further Production Cuts for 747-8 Cargo Plane
The Boeing Co. announced it would lower production of its 747-8 cargo plane further, beginning in September, to match supply to expected near-term demand in a slowing air cargo market.
January 25, 2016Transport Topics Closed Jan. 25, 26 as Washington Digs Out From Blizzard
Arlington, Va.-based Transport Topics is closed Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 as Washington struggles to overcome the blizzard that blanketed parts of the Mid-Atlantic region with two feet of snow.
January 25, 2016Opinion: Find Ways to Make Better Use of US Highways
Although Congress finally passed a five-year, $305 billion highway bill, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, and President Obama signed it Dec. 4, we should not overlook the ancillary issues that distinguish between the needs of the motoring public and the transportation industry.
January 25, 2016Editorial: Is the Oil Plunge Too Good?
It’s time to wonder if crude oil, diesel fuel and gasoline are actually getting too cheap? A surprising notion, but for many people it’s already the case.
January 25, 2016Cummins Withdraws From 2016 MATS
Independent engine maker Cummins Inc. said Jan. 21 it will not participate in this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show.
December Tonnage Climbs 1.1% as Inventory Growth Slows
Truck tonnage rose 1.1% in December over the same month of 2014, as growth continues to be held back by excessive inventories that are reducing freight demand, American Trucking Associations reported.
OEMs Vie for Larger Share of Parts Market as Independent Distributors Add Services
The business of selling truck parts is changing as original equipment manufacturers and their dealers try to expand their share of the $30 billion market.
Heavy-Truck Repair, Maintenance Costs Have Soared, But Prices for Common Parts Could Decline in ’16
The cost to repair and maintain heavy-duty trucks has surged in recent years, rising more than 50% since 2008, based on a study by the American Transportation Research Institute.
Researchers Target Human Factors
WASHINGTON — As funding constraints limit construction of new roads and bridges, transportation researchers are devoting less time and money on studies of pavement design and more on human factors, such as driver fatigue, to reduce crashes and improve the performance of the nation’s highways.
NHTSA: Alcohol Use Down, Marijuana Up
WASHINGTON — Alcohol use by motorists on U.S. highways has declined significantly in recent years. However, the use of marijuana among the driving public is on the rise, according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.