Business

About Business News...

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.

Editorial, Business

Editorial: Perfect Yields to Good

Studying the issues, analyzing them, knowing your own mind and then working earnestly to convince others is a worthwhile pursuit. At the same time, it’s also necessary to do those things within the context of a sound understanding of broad political reality.

May 26, 2014
Business

April Tonnage Gains 4.8%

Truck tonnage rose 4.8% last month from a year earlier as carriers distanced themselves from winter’s freight disruptions, setting the stage for more growth amid a strengthening economy.

May 26, 2014
Business, Technology

Same-Day Delivery Is Limited to Urban Markets, Experts Say

New and intensely promoted shipping options such as same-day delivery and package-carrying drones may have some commercial potential, but only in the most densely populated areas, industry experts say.

May 26, 2014
Business

Daimler Offers New Powertrain Leveraging Detroit Integration

DETROIT — Daimler Trucks North America unveiled a new Detroit-brand powertrain package here, providing greater vehicle-component integration and a series of new technologies to offer what company officials called their most fuel-efficient package yet.

May 26, 2014
Business, Equipment

Proper Engine Maintenance Necessary to Extend Life of DPFs, Managers Say

Diesel particulate filters, a key element of truck emissions systems since 2007, can present fleets with problems if they are not routinely maintained along with the truck’s engine, experts said.

May 26, 2014
Fuel, Business

ATA Willing to Back New Options to Solve Highway Funding Crisis

American Trucking Associations said it would support such measures as a tax on crude oil, a national highway fee on cars and trucks and repatriation of corporate profits held overseas to pay for highways, given the transportation funding crisis and Congress’ refusal to raise fuel taxes.    

May 26, 2014
Business, Safety

Industry Urges FMCSA to Close Loopholes In Drug, Alcohol Clearinghouse Proposal

A proposed federal rule that would establish a national database of truck drivers who fail their drug and alcohol tests contains a number of “loopholes,” several motor carriers, trade associations and safety interest groups said in written comments on the proposal.

May 26, 2014
Business, Technology

Fleets Use More Technology to Combat Driver Shortage

PRINCETON, N.J. — Fleet executives said they are increasingly using technology to aid their recruitment and retention efforts as the industry’s driver shortage worsens.

May 26, 2014
Business, Logistics

Schneider to Pay $21 Million To Settle Class-Action Suit

Schneider Logistics will pay $21 million to settle a class-action civil lawsuit brought by about 1,800 Southern California dockworkers who claimed they were not paid properly.

May 26, 2014
Business, Fuel

US Diesel Average Dips 1.4¢ to $3.934

Diesel’s national average price declined for a third consecutive week, dipping 1.4 cents to $3.934 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported May 19.

May 26, 2014