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.
New Index Signals That Shippers Could Gain Upper Hand in Rate Talks
A newly released index of trucking rates shows the gap between declining spot freight rates and contract pricing is continuing to widen, providing evidence that shippers could have the upper hand in negotiations over long-term freight rates in the months ahead.
January 8, 2016State Grants Needed to Explore Future Transportation Funding Alternatives, Two Representatives Say
Two House Democrats have urged the Obama Administration to follow up passage of a long-term transportation funding law by initiating a grant program that will ensure that states have as much time as possible to test various future funding alternatives to the federal fuel tax.
Oil Near 12-Year Low as China Volatility Stays in Focus
Oil traded near a 12-year low Jan. 8 as investors focused on volatility in Chinese markets after the country sought to quell losses in equities and stabilize its currency.
FedEx, TNT Receive Unconditional European Approval for Merger Plan
FedEx Corp. and Dutch freight and package operator TNT Express announced that the European Commission has decided that their combination doesn’t raise any competitive concerns and has given unconditional approval to the companies’ $4.9 billion merger, moving the plan a step closer to completion.
January 8, 2016FedEx Tax Break Plan Draws No Opposition at Collierville, Tenn., Board Meeting
FedEx is seeking an additional 20 years of property tax breaks to keep its big tech center in Collierville, Tennessee, and at a town Industrial Development Board meeting Jan. 7, all signs suggested the company — the town's biggest employer — will get what it wants.
Snow Thanks, Say Truckers: Wintry Weather a Headache for Country's Pro Drivers
At trucking giants such as Covenant Transport in Chattanooga, Tennessee — which operates a fleet of about 2,700 trucks — entire departments are dedicated to monitoring weather and dealing with emergencies, snarls and re-routes.
Germany’s Linde Launches Sale of Logistics Unit Gist, Worth $875 Million
Germany's Linde is launching the sale of its temperature-controlled logistics unit Gist in a deal potentially worth more than $875 million, as it streamlines its operations to focus on its core industrial gases operations, two people familiar with the matter said.
Mack Trucks Approves Use of Renewable Diesel in Its Engines
Mack Trucks has approved use of renewable diesel fuel in all its engines after truck and engine testing that showed it reduced greenhouse gas and particulate emissions, as well as decreased maintenance costs.
January 7, 2016Werner Kicks Off 60th Anniversary Celebration; Plans Set for New Pennsylvania Terminal
Global Transportation and logistics company Werner Enterprises Inc. kicked off a yearlong celebration to mark its 60th anniversary, and the company has big plans for the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.
Florida East Coast Railway Intermodal Facility Boosts Cargo Volume at Port Everglades
Florida East Coast Railway's 43-acre intermodal facility in Broward County is bringing more cargo through South Florida.