Business

About Business News...

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.

Perspective, Business

Opinion: Earlier DEF Warning Would Save Time, Money

Leading a company that buys new trucks loaded with all of the diesel emissions fluid systems and particulate filters on them, I am keenly aware of the many problems associated with them, as is everyone else who runs them.

January 4, 2016
Editorial, Business

Editorial: Yes, to the 25% Testing Rate

So often, what appears at first glance to be mind-numbing statistical minutiae is actually a matter of genuine importance with significant real-world consequences.

January 4, 2016
Business

Monthly Tonnage Barely Rises; ATA Sees Stronger Growth in ’16

American Trucking Associations’ latest tonnage and economic reports show that late 2015 freight growth was weighed down by bloated inventories but that some improvement is expected this year with stronger support from consumer spending.

Rip Watson | Special to Transport Topics
January 4, 2016
Business, Logistics

November Trailer Orders Climb 10%, Driven by Big-Fleet Demand

Net orders in November for new truck trailers were the third-highest of all time as large fleets sought replacement units and continued a solid order season, ACT Research Co. reported.

Roger Gilroy | Senior Reporter
January 4, 2016
Business, Government, Safety, Autonomous

Freight Growth Seen Despite Driver Woes; Government Turns Attention to Regulations

Trucking companies are likely to see a continuation of moderate business growth in 2016 as the shortage of qualified drivers keeps a lid on fleet expansion, analysts said.

January 4, 2016
Business, Safety, Government, Logistics

George Washington’s Battle Experience Led to First National Road for Freight

FORT NECESSITY, Pa. — Dwight Eisenhower is often cited for the major role he played in making surface transportation an important federal responsibility, but the idea didn’t start with Ike. It goes back to the first popular general-turned-president — George Washington.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
January 4, 2016
Business

Groups Fear New Container Rules Could Create Supply Chain Havoc

Truckers and shipper groups said they fear that a lack of awareness about new mandatory international container weighing rules could create havoc in the supply chain when they take effect July 1.

Rip Watson | Special to Transport Topics
January 4, 2016
Business

Rep. Ribble Still Optimistic on Raising Truck Weights

The leading proponent in the House for increasing weight limits for tractor-trailers said he is hopeful a majority in Congress will back his effort in 2017.

Eugene Mulero | Senior Reporter
January 4, 2016
Business

Love's Travel Stops Surpasses 300 Locations; Founder Has Ambitious Expansion Plans

Love’s Travel Stops topped the 300 locations mark in December with facilities in Kentucky and Oklahoma, and the company’s chairman and founder is working on plans to capitalize on his bullish outlook — for the rest of the 21st century.

Jonathan S. Reiskin | Associate News Editor
January 4, 2016
Business

Daimler’s Powertrain Chief Oversees Global Integration

REDFORD, Mich. — As head of powertrain and manufacturing for Daimler Trucks, Frank Reintjes plays a critical role in the development of the company’s trucks around the globe. He has been with the company for 20 years, spending time on both the truck and passenger car side.

Neil Abt | Editorial Director
January 4, 2016