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.
Workhorse Group to Begin Testing Delivery Drone
Workhorse Group Inc. said it won Federal Aviation Administration approval to test its unmanned aircraft system called HorseFly, which is designed to fly to and from the company’s electric delivery vehicle.
October 15, 2015America's Highways Come Alive as Cheap Gas, Job Growth Spur Driving
Americans are increasingly taking to the highways and byways as lower gasoline prices and rising employment spur a “road trip recovery,” according to Nicholas Colas, chief market strategist at Convergex.
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since 1973
The number of Americans submitting applications for jobless benefits unexpectedly declined last week to match the fewest in four decades.
Consumer Prices Rise in September, Pushed by Higher Rents
Consumer prices in the United States, excluding food and fuel, rose more than forecast in September, propelled by rising rents. Plunging energy expenses caused total costs to decrease by the most since January.
California Pay-By-Mile Program Will Include Trucks
California officials said they still are seeking volunteers, including truckers, to participate in a pay-by-mile test program scheduled to begin in July.
Mississippi Truckers Dealing With Weight Limits
Mississippi’s Highway 6 is in such bad shape that state transportation officials have declared that its bridges were unsafe for heavy trucks. In fact, for a time, trucks were ticketed for exceeding weight limits.
Oregon Experiments With Pay-By-Mile Program, But Drivers Lacking
Oregon, the first state to establish a gas tax and a weight-mile tax, is back at it again with an experimental pay-by-the-mile program called OrReGO that excludes commercial trucks.
Oklahoma Trucking Association Elects New Director
Jim Newport has been elected executive director of the Oklahoma Trucking Association by the association’s board.
Independent Drivers Earn 29% More, Study Shows
Independent owner-operators earned nearly 29% more net income than employee drivers in 2013, according to a study released Oct. 14 by the California Trucking Association and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership.
Sen. Boxer: House ‘Can Pass a Strong’ Highway Bill
The top Democrat on the Senate’s transportation panel on Oct. 14 expressed optimism about the House’s push to advance a highway reauthorization bill.
October 14, 2015