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.
Majority of Carriers Getting ‘Adequate’ Rate of Return, Survey Shows
More than half of carriers said in a recent survey they are getting an “adequate rate of return,” according to trucking consulting firm Transport Capital Partners.
January 3, 20142013 Intermodal Rail Traffic Rises 4.6%
U.S. intermodal rail traffic rose 4.6% last year from 2012 to just over 12.8 million units, the Association of American Railroads reported Jan. 2.
January 3, 2014Snowstorm Closes Highways, Delays Freight in Northeast
The first major snowstorm of 2014 hit the northeastern United States on Jan. 2-3, closing major highways and disrupting travel.
January 3, 2014Cuomo Moves Deadline to Decide on N.Y. Independent Contractor Bill
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has used a legislative loophole to extend the time he has to consider a bill that would redefine trucking independent contractors under state law.
January 2, 2014Truck Makers Issue Recall for Defective Seat Belts
Several truck makers have recalled thousands of heavy-duty trucks because of possible seat belt defects that may make the devices difficult to unlatch.
Illinois Increases Speed Limit to 70 MPH
Most freeways in Illinois have a new maximum speed limit of 70 mph as of Jan. 1, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports.
January 2, 2014Construction Spending Rises 1% in November
Construction spending rose 1% in November to the highest pace in more than four years, the Commerce Department reported Jan. 2.
January 2, 2014Manufacturing Activity Grows at Slower Rate in December
The Institute for Supply Management reported Jan. 2 a December reading of 57 in its manufacturing index, a modest dip from November’s figure but still the second-biggest expansion in more than two years.
January 2, 2014Trottenberg Leaves DOT for NYC Post
Polly Trottenberg, undersecretary for policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will leave that post to become New York City’s transportation commissioner under new Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level in a Month
The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits fell to the lowest level in a month for the week ended Dec. 28 as holiday related fluctuations declined, the Labor Department reported.
January 2, 2014