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.
Trade Gap Shrinks More Than Forecast as US Oil Imports Dry Up
The trade deficit narrowed in November as U.S. petroleum imports sank to the lowest level in more than five years.
Companies in US Added 241,000 Workers in December, ADP Says
Companies added more workers than forecast in December, indicating the U.S. job market was sustaining strength as 2014 drew to a close, according to a private report based on payrolls.
December Class 8 Orders Jump 38%, Capping Best Year Since 2004
Class 8 truck orders jumped 38% to 43,900 units in December, capping the industry’s second-best year on record for incoming orders, according to ACT Research.
Calif. Gov. Brown Wants Petroleum Use Cut 50%, More Money for Roads, Bridges
California Gov. Jerry Brown wants to see a 50% reduction in petroleum use by cars and trucks by 2030 and a greater investment in roads and bridges as soon as possible.
Business Groups Seek to Stop Faster Union Votes
A coalition of business groups has asked the U.S. District Court in Washington to block the National Labor Relations Board from speeding up union representation elections in U.S. industries, including trucking.
January 6, 2015CRST Mulls Next Step in EEOC Litigation
CRST International is wrestling with options on how to wrap up its civil litigation with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the federal court system concerning the company’s van expedited division.
Federal Mediator Enters West Coast Port Talks
Federal mediators are stepping into the protracted West Coast port talks at the request of labor and management that have been unable to reach an agreement after nearly eight months of bargaining.
January 6, 2015Ford CEO Predicts Driverless Cars on Roads in Five Years
Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Mark Fields said that an automaker probably will introduce a self-driving vehicle within half a decade, but it won’t be his company, which is focusing on less expensive features that assist in driving.
Factory Orders Drop for Fourth Month
Factory orders dropped 0.7% in November, the fourth straight decline, the Commerce Department reported Jan. 6.
January 6, 2015Diesel Tumbles 7.6¢ to $3.137 as Oil Hits $50 a Barrel
Diesel prices started the new year the way they ended 2014, falling 7.6 cents to $3.137 a gallon as oil prices fell below $50 a barrel for the first time in almost six years.