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.
Bill Seeks to Prevent Independent Contractor Misclassification
Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and five co-sponsors have introduced a bill they said would prevent fraud in the hiring of independent contractors.
Universal Truckload Services to Acquire Westport Axle for $123 Million
Universal Truckload Services Inc. said it will acquire Westport Axle Corp. from its Brazilian owners for $123 million.
December 2, 2013Volvo’s Indian Joint Venture Launches Pro Series Trucks, Buses
Volvo Group’s India-based joint venture with Eicher Motors has launched the Pro Series of trucks and buses, which are designed specifically for India and similar markets.
December 2, 2013Construction Spending Rises 0.8% in October
Construction spending rose 0.8% in October to the highest pace in six years, the Commerce Department reported Dec. 2.
December 2, 2013Holiday Retail Sales Rise 2.3%
U.S. retail sales increased 2.3% on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, matching predictions of the weakest holiday sales since 2009, Bloomberg News reported.
December 2, 2013Manufacturing Activity Rises in November
U.S. manufacturing activity’s rate of expansion rose in November, the Institute for Supply Management reported Dec. 2.
December 2, 2013Amazon Tests Drones for Home Delivery
E-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. is developing aerial drones that it said could deliver products directly to consumers’ homes within the next five years.
December 2, 2013Opinion: GSA Opts for Clean-Fueled Vendors
The United States wants to do business with truck fleets that are more fuel-efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to operate.
December 2, 2013Editorial: A Trucking Fuel Update
It looks like the recent run of lower fuel prices is at an end. As we report on p. 1, the average price of a gallon of diesel fuel rose 2.2 cents last week to $3.844 after 11 weeks of declining or steady prices.
December 2, 2013Omnitracs Announces Deal to Buy Roadnet as Vista Closes Its Purchase From Qualcomm
Vista Equity Partners announced last week that it has completed its $800 million acquisition of the Omnitracs Inc. truck technology business, which also announced plans for an acquisition of its own.
December 2, 2013