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.
Paccar Recalling 21,000 Kenworth, Peterbilt Trucks
Paccar Inc. said it is recalling more than 21,000 trucks for potential defects to seat belts and door latches, according to a notice posted Feb. 7 on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
Opinion: Keep ELDs On Hand, Not In Hand
Editorial: A Shrinking Table
We were disappointed — but not surprised — that Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) said he would not support an increase in federal fuel taxes to fund the nation’s aging highway system. Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, made the comments at an infrastructure event in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4.
February 10, 2014Truck Makers Post Higher Earnings
Truck manufacturers ended 2013 on a high note, with Paccar Inc. posting higher fourth-quarter profit, and Daimler AG and Volvo AB reporting improved results in their truck divisions.
February 10, 2014FDA Proposes Tougher Food-Shipping Rules Aimed at Reducing Risk of Contamination
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed rule that will toughen the requirements for truckers carrying food, as well as shippers and receivers.
February 10, 2014Debt Deal Could Cut Interest Costs Up to $50 Million, YRC Official Says
YRC Worldwide Inc. should lower cash interest costs by $40 million to $50 million annually once a broad debt refinancing program is completed later this month, Chief Financial Officer Jamie Pierson said.
February 10, 2014Three Truckload Fleets Show Weaker Profits, But Heartland’s Earnings Rise in Quarter
Three more truckload carriers reported weaker quarterly profits, citing higher costs, but Heartland Express posted improved results as earnings reports in the sector wound down last week.
February 10, 2014Two Trailer Makers Set Sights on Moving Vans to Capitalize on Growing Relocation Market
A pair of leading dry-freight trailer manufacturers told Transport Topics they are prepared to supply 53-foot household goods vans — a market dominated by another manufacturer — to carriers anticipating a moving season that could become the best in years.
February 10, 2014LTLs’ 4Q Results Improve Despite Winter Storms
Three publicly traded less-than-truckload operators reported improved fourth-quarter earnings despite challenges such as severe weather, but profit slipped at a fourth fleet on higher insurance costs.
February 10, 2014Diesel Price Rises 4.7¢ to $3.951; Cold Creates Spikes in Northeast
The continued cold weather throughout much of the United States pushed the diesel average up 4.7 cents to $3.951 a gallon last week, the highest price since September, the Department of Energy reported.
February 10, 2014