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.
EPA Announces $4 Million Program to Replace Older Diesel Engines at Ports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has made $4 million available for ports to replace older diesel engines with newer cleaner-burning engines.
December 12, 2013Nevada Posts Truck-Stop Information on Web
Truck drivers who need a break in Nevada can find the nearest highway truck stop by checking online via laptop or mobile device, the state Department of Transportation said.
Business Inventories Rise 0.7% in October
Business inventories rose 0.7% in October, and sales increased 0.5%, the Commerce Department reported Dec 12.
December 12, 2013Retail Sales See Largest Increase in 5 Months
Retail sales grew 0.7% in November, the largest increase since June, the Commerce Department reported Dec. 12.
December 12, 2013Jobless Claims Rise From Three-Month Low
Initial jobless claims rose from an almost three-month low last week, the Labor Department reported Dec. 12.
December 12, 2013Truckload Fleet Turnover Dips Modestly
Truckload fleets’ driver turnover dipped modestly in the third quarter, falling 2 percentage points to 97% from the second quarter at larger fleets and 8 percentage points to 74% at smaller operators, American Trucking Associations reported.
House, Senate Agree on Budget Maintaining Current Highway Spending Levels
House and Senate budget negotiators have agreed on a budget deal that maintains current highway spending levels through Fiscal Year 2014.
Senators, Business Air Disputes on Renewable Fuel
Senators questioned the usefulness of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard — which covers the production of biodiesel blended into truck fuel — with some calling for the abolition of the supports and other saying RFS should be modified to accommodate changes in the nation’s energy sector.
UPS Teamsters Approve Large Contract Rider
Teamsters who work at UPS Inc.’s package division approved the largest remaining barriers to implementation of a national contract that is the transport industry’s largest labor deal.
XPO Agrees to Buy Landstar Unit for $87 Million
XPO Logistics Inc. said Dec. 11 it has agreed to purchase NLM, a web-based expediter, from Landstar System for $87 million in cash.
December 11, 2013