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.
Inspection Report Paperwork Rule Repealed by Feds
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rescinded a requirement that property-carrying commercial motor vehicle drivers submit, and motor carriers retain, driver vehicle inspection reports when the driver has neither found nor been made aware of any vehicle defects or deficiencies.
To Maintain Current Highway Conditions, AASHTO Says $120 Billion Is Needed Annually
Local, state and federal governments need to spend a combined $120 billion annually for the next six years just to bring highways and bridges to a condition that meets today’s traffic demands, said a new report from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
UTi Loss Widens, CEO Kirchner Quits
UTi Worldwide Inc. reported a quarterly loss that more than tripled to $34 million, or 35 cents per share as well as the abrupt departure of CEO Eric Kirchner.
December 9, 2014USA Truck Expands Brokerage Unit
USA Truck Inc. said it is expanding its profitable brokerage unit known as Strategic Capacity Solutions by opening a new office in Florida and expanding the unit’s Chicago facility.
December 9, 2014Greenbrier Receives $1.24 Billion in Railcar Orders
Greenbrier Cos., which makes intermodal railcars and other freight equipment, said it received $1.24 billion in new railcar orders during its first quarter.
December 9, 2014ATA Calls on Members to Press Congress to Back HOS Suspension; DOT Against It
American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves asked federation members on Dec. 8 to tell their elected representatives to approve a provision that suspends parts of an hours-of-service rule when Congress considers a large funding bill this week.
Diesel Dives 7¢ to $3.535 as Oil Continues to Drop
Diesel’s pump price dove 7 cents to $3.535 a gallon, the biggest drop in two years, the Department of Energy reported Dec. 8, as oil plunged to a new five-year low near $63 a barrel.
Pilot Flying J CEO Asks Judge to Dismiss Lawsuit
Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam asked a federal judge to dismiss federal lawsuits filed by two trucking companies that have alleged Haslam was at the center of a conspiracy to shortchange them of diesel fuel rebates.
Descartes Acquires Two U.K.-Based Customs-Service Firms
Descartes Systems Group said it has acquired two United Kingdom-based providers of customs-management services to shippers and logistics firms.
December 8, 2014Gasoline Falls to 4-Year Low Amid Crude Slide: Lundberg
The average price of regular gasoline at U.S. pumps slid to the lowest level since Sept. 24, 2010, dropping 12.35 cents in the two weeks ended Dec. 5 to $2.72 a gallon, according to a survey by Lundberg Survey Inc.