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.
Economic Indicators Rise in February, Manufacturing Unchanged in Philadelphia Region
The Conference Board’s index of leading economic indicators, a measure of the outlook for the next three to six months, rose 0.2% in February for a second month, the New York-based group said March 19.
March 19, 2015Jobless Claims Little Changed, Signaling a Resilient Labor Market
Fewer than 300,000 Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits for a second week, signaling the labor market remains resilient even as the economy shows signs of slowing.
Volvo Trucks Introduces I-Shift Transmission for Severe-Duty Applications
Volvo Trucks introduced a rugged version of its I-Shift automated manual transmission for severe-duty applications.
Trucking’s Share of Nafta Trade Rose 4.5% Last Year
Trucks carried the largest amount of trade among North American Free Trade Partners last year, with trucking trade rising 4.5% from 2013 to $715 billion, the Department of Transportation reported.
Intermodal Rail Traffic Rises 7%
U.S. rail intermodal traffic rose 7% in the week ended March 14 compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads reported.
March 18, 2015Legislation Aims to Boost Transportation Funds at Local Level
Local governments would be able to access more federal funds under a bipartisan bill unveiled this week in the Senate.
FedEx Net Income Climbs 53% as Profit Rises at Every Unit
FedEx Corp. improved fiscal third-quarter net income by 53% to $580 million, or $2.01 per share, fueled by earnings gains across the Express, Ground and Freight units.
March 18, 2015February Container Volume Drops at Southern California Ports
Container volume at the Southern California ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach declined in February from a year ago because of backed-up congestion related to labor issues, the two said.
House Budget Expands States’ Say on Transportation
House Republicans’ budget blueprint unveiled March 17 would enhance states’ control over critical highway projects, and it would establish a reserve fund to develop proposals for bringing surface-transportation legislation to passage.
Arkansas Lawmakers Approve Liability Protection for Truckers
Arkansas is poised to become the 42nd state to pass a law protecting truckers from having to sign contracts that require them to assume all liability for accidents regardless of who is to blame.