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.
Brent Crude Drops Below $40 for First Time in Almost Seven Years
Brent crude fell below $40 a barrel for the first time in almost seven years after OPEC effectively abandoned limits on crude output, prompting speculation that a record global glut will continue.
Diesel Falls to $2.379, Down 4.2¢ in Fourth Consecutive Drop
The U.S. average retail diesel price slid for the fourth week in a row, down 4.2 cents a gallon to $2.379, the Department of Energy reported Dec. 7.
December 7, 2015NHTSA Issues Proposed Rule to Upgrade Rear Impact Guard Standard
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Dec. 7 issued a proposed rule to upgrade current rear impact guards on trucks and trailers to address underride protection in car crashes into trailers and semitrailers.
Veriha to Open Driving School
Veriha Enterprise, which owns a Wisconsin-based trucking company of the same name, announced that it will open a driving school in January to provide training for heavy-truck driver candidates and support future fleet growth.
December 7, 2015C.H. Robinson Raises Dividend
C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. raised its dividend by 13% to 43 cents per share from 38 cents.
December 7, 2015After 34 years, Montana Coal Rail Line Project Remains in Limbo
A 34-year effort to build a coal-hauling rail line across the eastern Montana prairie finally may be at an end after the owners of the Tongue River Railroad asked the Surface Transportation Board to put its approval process on hold.
Rail Cargo Drop Accelerates, Pointing to Weak Spots in Economy
A sharper decline in U.S. railroad cargo this quarter points to weak spots in the economy as a strong dollar crimps exports, retailers whittle down excess inventory and energy investment stalls.
Leonard’s Express Acquires West Coast Distribution
New York-based Leonard’s Express announced the acquisition of West Coast Distribution, based in Hickory, North Carolina, a step that will increase the buyer’s annual revenue to about $185 million.
December 7, 2015Amazon Buys Thousands of Branded Truck Trailers
Amazon has bought thousands of truck trailers featuring its Prime logo to move goods between its warehouses, according to media reports.
December 7, 2015Oil Extends Decline Below $40 as OPEC Abandons Production Target
Oil extended losses below $40 a barrel amid speculation a record global glut will be prolonged as OPEC effectively abandoned its longtime strategy of limiting production to control prices.