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.
Medium-Duty Sales Rise 3% in May
Retail sales of medium-duty trucks in the United States edged up 3% in May, reversing a 10% decline in April, WardsAuto.com reported.
ATA, NASTC File Opposition to Hours-Based Training Plan
American Trucking Associations and the National Association of Small Trucking Companies have sent letters to the head of an entry-level driver training advisory committee, opposing the recommendation of an hours-based behind-the-wheel instruction rule.
House Passes Free Trade Legislation; Industry Execs Expect Economic Boost
The House late last week approved a bill intended to speed free trade deals, legislation that is backed by business groups and the Obama administration.
Diesel Falls 1.4¢ to $2.87; Gas Jumps 5.5¢
The U.S. average diesel price fell 1.4 cents a gallon last week to $2.87, the third straight decline, the Department of Energy reported.
Senate to Mark Up Fiscal 2016 Transportation Funding Bill June 23
A Senate subcommittee on June 23 is scheduled to mark up a fiscal 2016 transportation spending bill that would provide funding for the nation’s top trucking regulator and an infrastructure grants program.
June 19, 2015J&R Schugel Sets Pay Increase
Truckload carrier J&R Schugel Trucking Inc. announced a pay increase plan under which it would boost drivers’ compensation as much as 22%.
June 19, 2015Echo Global Logistics Sets Executive Appointments
Echo Global Logistics has appointed CEO Douglas Waggoner to be the chairman.
June 19, 2015East Coast Ports’ Share of Import Traffic Seen Rising With Panama Canal Expansion, Study Says
As much as 10% of container traffic from Asia could shift from to East Coast from West Coast ports by 2020 after the Panama Canal’s expansion next year, according to a new study.
June 19, 2015South Carolina Ports Authority Reports Record May Volume, Projects 7% Increase for Fiscal 2016
The South Carolina Ports Authority set a record for container movement in May and projects 7% year-over-year growth for its 2016 fiscal year, which begins next month.
Senate Passes Surface Transportation Board Reform Bill
The U.S. Senate approved a bill intended to make the Surface Transportation Board more responsive to industry and shipper needs by accelerating and simplifying its review of rate cases.
June 19, 2015