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.
Key House Members Ask GAO to Evaluate HOS Rule’s 34-Hour Restart Provision
Two leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have requested that the Government Accountability Office evaluate the studies used to support the 34-hour restart provision in the federal hours-of-service rule.
Colorado Governor Signs Protection Measure for Truckers
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) has signed into law a measure that makes the state the 40th to protect truckers from contracts that force them to assume total liability for accidents whether they are at fault.
US Trade Deficit Grows 7.7%
The U.S. trade deficit widened 7.7% in February to the highest level in five months as exports of fuels and capital equipment dropped, the Commerce Department reported April 3.
April 3, 2014UTi Worldwide Loss Narrows to $50.7 Million
UTi Worldwide Inc. reported its fourth-quarter loss narrowed to $50.7 million, or 48 cents per share, from $142.8 million, or $1.38 per share.
April 3, 2014Jobless Claims Rise 16,000 for Week
Initial jobless claims rose by 16,000 last week, the Labor Department reported April 3.
April 3, 2014Trucking Exec Tells Congress Hazmat Changes Needed
Trucking executive William Downey told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 2 that changes are needed to improve the safety and security of hazardous material shipments.
April 3, 2014Clean Energy Opens CNG Station at JFK International Airport
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. said it has opened a publically accessible compressed natural-gas station in a multifuel travel plaza at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
April 3, 2014FTR Trucking Index Dips; Group Cites Tight Capacity
FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index fell in February, and adjusted for the severe weather the index would have been above a reading of 10, making it the tightest truck market on record, the group said April 2.
April 2, 2014Ryan Budget Calls Highway Trust Fund a ‘Priority’; Would Allow States to Fund Highway Projects
Transfers to the federal Highway Trust Fund from the general fund would have to be offset by savings in accounts elsewhere in the budget, under a proposal offered by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).
Kentucky Legislators Vote Unanimously to Protect Truckers
Kentucky lawmakers have passed a bill that would protect truckers from having to assume all liability for accidents regardless of whether they are to blame.