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.
Housing Starts Exceed 1 Million Pace for Third Month
New-home construction in the U.S. exceeded a 1 million annualized pace in November for a third consecutive month, continuing a slow recovery in the housing market.
December 16, 2014Diesel Declines 11.6¢ to $3.419 a Gallon
The average retail price of diesel plummeted another 11.6 cents this week, sending trucking’s main fuel down to $3.419 a gallon, a low not seen in almost four years, the Department of Energy said.
FedEx Agrees to Buy Genco
FedEx Corp. said it has agreed to buy third party logistics provider Genco to broaden the buyer’s presence in the retail and e-commerce markets.
December 15, 2014House Ethics Panel Clears Rep. Petri
The House Committee on Ethics announced it would not discipline retiring Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), stating that the 18-term lawmaker sought and adhered to the committee's guidance when he aided firms in which he owned stock.
Navistar Plans to Close Engine-Part Foundry, Cut 180 Jobs
Navistar International Corp. announced plans to close the Indianapolis foundry where it produces engine blocks and heads for its MaxxForce engines.
December 15, 2014HOS Restart Rule Reverts to Pre-July 2013 Status; Questions and Answers
Questions and answers on the impact of the suspension of the HOS restart provision approved by Congress (as supplied by American Trucking Associations).
December 15, 2014FedEx Kicks Off Busiest Day
FedEx Corp. kicked off what it expects to be its busiest day in company history, Dec. 15.
December 15, 2014Amazon Snags Sorting From FedEx to Avert Package Pileups
Amazon.com Inc., seeking to avoid shipping delays that marred last year’s holiday season, is taking more control of its delivery system by opening “sorting centers” around the country.
December 15, 2014Industrial Production Jumps by Most Since May 2010
Industrial production surged in November by the most since May 2010 as U.S. assembly lines churned out more consumer goods and business equipment, signaling manufacturing is bolstering economic growth.
Letter to the Editor: Autonomous Railcars
I was asked by a top consulting firm what I see as the future of autonomous vehicles as it relates to the trucking industry. I have never been asked such a futuristic question in all my years in trucking.
December 15, 2014