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.
Obama Budget Proposes 6-year, $18 Billion Freight Plan, Truck Safety Improvements
The Obama administration’s fiscal 2016 budget unveiled Feb. 2 includes $18 billion for a six-year freight program designed to reduce roadway congestion, which the trucking industry says would improve efficiency.
N.Y.-N.J. Port Sets Container Cargo Record
The Port of New York and New Jersey, third largest in the United States, set a record in 2014 for cargo volume with 3.3 million containers handled, which was 4.1% above the previous record set in 2012, port officials said.
February 2, 2015Bestpass Reports Service Growth in 2014
Bestpass Inc., a provider of toll-management services to fleets, said it added 545 new accounts and increased its service revenue 40% in 2014 while processing $290 million in toll payments last year.
February 2, 2015ALK Introduces Weather Alerts for Mapping Software
ALK Technologies has introduced new weather alerts for its ALK Maps and PC Miler Web Services platforms.
February 2, 2015Factories Expand at Slowest Rate in a Year
U.S. factories expanded at the weakest pace in a year in January as orders cooled, a sign weakness in overseas markets is restraining U.S. manufacturing, the Institute for Supply Management said.
February 2, 2015Construction Spending Rises 0.4%
Construction spending rose 0.4% in December to a seasonally adjusted $982 billion annual rate, the Commerce Department reported Feb. 2.
February 2, 2015Consumer Spending Drops by Most in Five Years
Consumer spending fell in December as households took a breather from the break-neck pace of buying that characterized the fourth quarter.
February 2, 2015Oil Rises as Workers Strike at Nine Refineries
Oil climbed to over $50 a barrel Monday as workers at some of the nation’s refineries began strike action.
February 2, 2015ATA Promotes Four
American Trucking Associations announced it had promoted four staff members to new positions, including a new senior vice president of legislative affairs and vice president of highway policy.
February 2, 2015Truckload Profits Increase as Rates Rise, Firms Grow
Five of the nation’s largest truckload carriers last week said quarterly earnings rose sharply, as they capitalized on strong demand by raising rates and running more trucks.
February 2, 2015