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.
Opinion: Weighing Risks, Opportunities in Social Media
The advent of social and digital technology has changed a lot in the way we do business. Companies used to have a much higher degree of control and awareness as to what was being said about their organization, their products and their industry. This has fundamentally changed — and most organizations are scrambling to keep up.
November 3, 2014Editorial: Citizens Vote, Winners Govern
Although it may be a self-serving thought, we believe if anyone should vote Nov. 4, it should be readers of Transport Topics. You’re the people who understand trucking, and if the industry is going to be heard from in state capitals and on Capitol Hill, then you’re the people who will have to cast ballots.
November 3, 2014Trailer Orders Soar 86.2%
New trailer orders spiked 86.2% in September from a year earlier, soaring to the highest level in nearly a decade as fleets rushed to reserve 2015 build slots, analysts and manufacturers said.
November 3, 2014States Ask Voters to Decide on Infrastructure Measures
Transportation advocates are increasingly taking their case for better infrastructure to the public, a strategy magnified in a number of states as voters head to the polls Nov. 4.
November 3, 2014Senior Drivers Staying Behind the Wheel
Truckers such as Bill Compton, Tom Camp, Henry Bates and Al Weddle have more in common than their love of the road.
November 3, 2014LTLs Report Sizable Quarterly Profit Gains on Improved Rates, Rising Tonnage Levels
Four of the largest U.S. less-than-truckload operators improved profitability by 25% or more in the third quarter, powered by improved rates, carriers’ earnings reports showed last week.
November 3, 2014Strong 3Q Demand in North America Lifts Results for Paccar, Volvo, Daimler
Paccar Inc. and the global truck divisions of Daimler AG and Volvo AB reported higher third-quarter earnings, aided by gains in North America.
November 3, 2014UPS Posts 10% Gain in 3Q Profit
UPS Inc. said that third-quarter profit rose 10% from a year ago and that it is on track for upgrading its operational network to meet an expected 11% rise in holiday shipments.
November 3, 2014Preparation Is as Important as Force When Setting Torque on Truck Wheels
Maintaining proper wheel torque requires a lot more than simply clamping down on lug nuts. Clean mounting surfaces and adequate lubrication on threads are just as vital for keeping trucks’ wheels rolling smooth and true, maintenance experts said.
November 3, 2014Diesel Average Drops 2.1¢ to $3.635
The U.S. diesel average fell 2.1 cents to $3.635 a gallon last week, the lowest price in 3½ years, the Department of Energy reported.
November 3, 2014