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.
Americans to Celebrate Independence Day With Road Trips
Americans will take to the roads in record numbers over the July 4 holiday as the improving job market and lower fuel prices spur more people to splurge on getaways, a forecast by AAA shows.
Consumer Spending Rises by Most in Almost Six Years
Household spending climbed in May by the most in almost six years, buoyed by gains in incomes as the U.S. job market strengthened.
June 25, 2015Jobless Claims Hold Below 300,000 for 16th Week
Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits held below 300,000 for the 16th straight week, signaling a tighter labor market that will help propel growth in the second half of 2015.
Senate Sends Fast-Track Free Trade Bill to Obama
The Senate sent President Obama legislation granting fast-track trade-negotiation authority, a hard-fought victory intended to aid completion of an agreement with Pacific nations that is a top second-term priority.
Armbro Transport, Canadian Carrier, Closes
Canadian carrier Armbro Transport Inc. has closed its doors after 56 years in operation.
June 24, 2015Intermodal Rail Traffic Rises as Carloads Continue Decline
U.S. rail intermodal traffic rose for the week ended June 13 as carloads declined for the 11th consecutive week, the Association of American Railroads reported.
June 24, 2015EPW Panel Advances 6-Year Highway Bill to Full Senate
WASHINGTON — A Senate panel on June 24 easily approved a six-year highway policy bill, advancing the measure to the full Senate. Lawmakers would need to act quickly on the bill as federal funding authority for transportation programs expires at the end of July.
VW’s MAN Truck-Making Unit Plans to Cut 1,800 Jobs to Lower Costs
MAN SE, the German truck maker owned by Volkswagen AG, plans to reduce the workforce of its European commercial-vehicle operations by about 5% to cut costs and revive profit.
Sysco’s $3.5 Billion Bid for US Foods Blocked by Federal Judge
Sysco Corp.’s planned $3.5 billion takeover of US Foods Inc. was blocked by a federal judge, who said a merger of the food distribution giants would probably reduce competition and raise prices for hotels and restaurants.
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index Improves in April
FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index rose in April after a sharp decline the prior month, according to the firm.
June 24, 2015