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.
Companies Increase Payrolls by Most in a Year
U.S. companies boosted payrolls by the most in a year in November, according to a private report released Dec. 4.
December 4, 2013New Home Sales Rise by Most in 33 Years
New home sales jumped 25.4% in October, the biggest rise in 33 years, the Commerce Department reported Dec. 4.
December 4, 2013Service Industries Grow at Slower Pace in November
The service industry in the United States grew at a slower pace in November, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s nonmanufacturing index.
December 4, 2013Trade Deficit Declines for First Time in Four Months
The U.S. trade deficit declined in October for the first time in four months, the Commerce Department reported Dec. 4.
December 4, 2013November Class 8 Orders Rise 5.7% Year-Over-Year, but Decline from October
New Class 8 truck orders rose 5.7% in November to 21,200 from the same month last year, though they fell from October’s level which was the highest in nearly two years, ACT Research reported Dec. 3.
Auto Sales Reach Highest Level Since 2007
Auto sales in the United States grew in November to the highest rate since February 2007, Bloomberg News reported.
December 3, 2013Used-Truck Prices Rise as More-Recent Models Reach Market
Used-truck prices have escalated in recent months as more late-model, low-mileage equipment has reached the used market, analysts said.
FedEx Has Busiest Day in Company History on Cyber Monday
FedEx Corp. said it had its busiest day in company history Cyber Monday, moving more than 22 million shipments worldwide.
December 3, 2013Diesel Takes Second Straight Increase; Gas Sees First Drop in 3 Weeks
Diesel’s national average price rose for a second straight week, gaining 3.9 cents to $3.883 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported Dec. 2.
Old Dominion’s Daily Tonnage Increases
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. said the amount of freight tonnage it hauled in October and November rose compared with the previous year, causing the carrier to increase its tonnage expectations for the fourth quarter.
December 3, 2013