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.
FedEx’s 1Q Earnings Gain 24%; Profit Margins Rise at All Units
FedEx Corp. last week reported that fiscal first-quarter net income rose 24% to $606 million, or $2.10 per share, driven by stronger growth at the Freight, Ground and Express units.
September 22, 2014UPS Expands Into Brokerage to Tap Fast-Growing Sector
UPS Inc. said it is pursuing an expansion of truck brokerage through its Freight unit, adding new capabilities in a fast-growing sector where the company does not currently have a major presence.
September 22, 2014DOT Urged to Create Office to Help Promote Use of P3s
A report by a House transportation panel recommended establishing a new office at the U.S. Department of Transportation to help states and localities have better access to private capital to fund large-scale infrastructure projects.
September 22, 2014Western Star Targets 5% Market Share; Seeks Efficiency Without ‘Jellybean’ Look
HENDERSON, Nev. — Executives at Western Star Trucks want to increase their market share to 5% of the U.S. and Canadian Class 8 market, and think there are enough haters of “jellybeans” among truck operators that they can pull it off.
September 22, 2014Federal, State Governments Need to Reprioritize Transportation Funding, Report Finds
Transportation departments nationwide must consider driving trends when investing in major projects, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group education fund recommended in a report identifying nearly a dozen instances of what it claims to be wasteful spending.
September 19, 2014Driver Appreciation Week: Words of Thanks
Companies and individuals all across America are expressing thanks to truck drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 14-20.
September 19, 2014Espar Launches Fuel-Cell CNG Heaters
Systems that maintain sleeper cabs’ temperatures and “hotel loads” through use of fuel-cell technology and compressed natural gas are among new products being launched by Espar Products Inc.
US Port Labor Talks Turn on Automation Cutting Workers
West Coast shippers and dockworkers are struggling to reach a labor agreement as terminal operators replace as many as half of laborers at some ports with robots in the largest technological change in half a century.
September 19, 2014Intermodal Rail Traffic Rises 5%
U.S. rail intermodal traffic increased 5% in the week ended Sept. 13 compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads reported.
September 19, 2014Leading Economic Indicators Increase 0.2% in August
The Conference Board’s index of U.S. leading economic indicators, a gauge of the outlook for the next three to six months, climbed 0.2% in August after increasing 1.1% the prior month, the New York-based group said.
September 19, 2014