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.
Ruan Promotes McLean to President, COO
Ruan Transportation Management Systems based in Des Moines, Iowa, has promoted Ben McLean to president and chief operating officer with responsibility for all of the company’s trucking and logistics operations nationwide.
August 26, 2014Rahall Criticizes Obama Administration’s Bridge Safety Reform
The ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee criticized the Obama administration for its handling of bridge safety reform, citing a DOT inspector general’s report for highlighting “shortcomings in federal oversight and management of highway bridge safety.”
ATA Calls for Restricted Access to CSA Scores
American Trucking Associations and an industry coalition sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx urging that scores from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program be removed from its website.
August 26, 2014July Trailer Orders Increase 36.7%
New trailer orders rose 36.7% in July from a year ago, the strongest July since 2006, ACT Research reported.
Darr to Head Short-Line Rail Group
Linda Bauer Darr, a Washington transportation trade group executive, will become president of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association when current leader Richard Timmons retires at the end of 2014.
August 26, 2014Consumer Confidence Rises to Almost Seven-Year High
Consumer confidence in the U.S. unexpectedly climbed in August to the highest level in almost seven years, reinforcing signs of a strengthening outlook for the second half of 2014.
August 26, 2014Orders for Durable Goods Surge on Aircraft Demand
Orders for U.S. durable goods jumped in July by the most on record as bookings surged for commercial aircraft. Demand for business equipment eased after the biggest gain in seven months.
August 26, 2014Diesel Slides 1.4¢ to $3.821 in Eighth Straight Decline
Diesel’s national average price fell for the eighth straight week, dipping 1.4 cents to $3.821 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported Aug. 25.
Roads, Bridges Undamaged After Quake Jolts California Wine Country
California transportation officials said the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the town of Napa in the heart of the state’s wine producing region early Sunday morning left the infrastructure in the area north of San Francisco mostly unscathed.
August 25, 2014Port of L.A. Hosts World’s Largest Rubber Duck
The Port of Los Angeles is hosting the world’s largest floating rubber duck, which led the city’s Tall Ships Festival last week, as part of its world tour.
August 25, 2014