Business

Moving America forward. Designed to move a nation. These aren’t just slogans — they’re mission statements for two industries that are critical pieces of the U.S. economy.

The recent death of former Rep. James Oberstar, paired with last month’s retirement announcement from Rep. Tom Petri, leaves us casting about for heroes in transportation who would work in the manner of the late Minnesota Democrat and the departing Wisconsin Republican.

YRC Worldwide, in an effort to boost profits, has joined a growing number of less-than-truckload carriers to use dimensioners, a type of scanning device, to more accurately determine shipment characteristics.

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Executives with truck manufacturers said they agree with their projections from a year ago that natural-gas trucks will account for 10% of the Class 8 market by 2020.

The U.S. Agriculture Department has proposed recouping costs associated with animal and plant inspections by raising fees for all truck-borne imports by 205%.

Used Class 8 truck prices have begun to ease but remain near historic levels on continued strong demand, analysts said.

The California Air Resources Board has adopted amendments to its truck and bus regulation that will give mostly small, rural and low-mileage motor carriers more time to achieve compliance, exasperating larger carriers.

Former Rep. James Oberstar, a leader in transportation policymaking and chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, died on May 3. He was 79.

WASHINGTON — Senate leaders said late last week that a six-year transportation reauthorization bill that would maintain current spending levels will be introduced May 12.

XPO Logistics continues to pursue acquisitions in its core brokerage and expedited freight businesses, and may branch out to contract logistics, as well, CEO Bradley Jacobs told Transport Topics.