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.
Technology Adoption Boosts Fleets’ Efficiency to 7 MPG, NACFE Says
DALLAS — Use of a variety of technologies to boost fleets’ fuel efficiency helped increase mileage for 14 major nationwide carriers to 7 mpg last year, well over the national average, according to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency.
Sen. Claire McCaskill: Lack of Highway Bill ‘Kind of a Joke’
WASHINGTON — Sen. Claire McCaskill on May 5 expressed her disappointment with GOP congressional leaders for not having already unveiled a funding fix for a highway account when transportation funding authority expires at the end of the month.
USA Truck Posts First-Quarter Profit
USA Truck Inc. reported net income of $1.12 million, or 11 cents per share, to end a streak of first-quarter losses that covered eight years.
May 5, 2015Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of California Meal-Break Rule
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear appeal of rulings that upheld a California law that requires employers to provide meal breaks to workers.
US Oil Jumps Above $60 for First Time This Year as Glut Eases
Oil surged above $60 a barrel in New York for the first time since December on speculation the biggest U.S. supply glut in 85 years will ease.
May 5, 2015Trade Gap in US Swells to 6-Year High as Imports Surge
The U.S. trade deficit widened in March to the highest level in more than six years, fueled by a record surge in imports as commercial activity resumed at West Coast ports after a resolution to labor disputes.
May 5, 2015US Diesel Average Gains 4.3¢; Gas Up, Too
The U.S. average for retail diesel fuel rose for a third straight week, hitting $2.854 per gallon after a 4.3-cent jump May 4, the Department of Energy reported.
May 5, 2015Panel Says Women Remain Underrepresented at All Levels in Trucking
DALLAS — Women are still greatly underrepresented in the trucking industry, and those who are employed still face challenges balancing work and home life, according to a panel of female executives.
New Southern California Trucking Company Formed; All Port Drivers Will Be Employees
The ongoing battle over Southern California’s port truckers job status has taken a new turn with the formation of Eco Flow Transportation, an all-employee driver operation.
Attention to Detail Key for Fleets Seeking Alt-Fuel Grants, Credits
DALLAS — Attention to detail is the biggest key for trucking companies seeking grants or tax credits for using alternative fuels such as natural gas in their fleets, according to an executive with the lead sponsor of this week's ACT Expo show here.