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.
Diesel Avg. Dips 1¢ to $3.822 as Crude Price Drop Continues
The average price of retail diesel fuel dipped a penny last week to $3.822 a gallon, the lowest price since early July, while gasoline rose for the second time in 11 weeks, the Department of Energy reported Nov. 18.
November 25, 2013Truck Toll Discounts to End Early on Texas Highway
Discounts for truckers on a well-known Texas toll road, State Highway 130, are ending Dec. 1, earlier than planned.
Pa. Legislators Approve $2.4 Bln. Road Plan
Pennsylvania state lawmakers gave final approval Nov. 21 to a transportation spending bill that will raise $2.4 billion more annually for the state’s roads, bridges and transit systems.
Senators Propose Infrastructure Bank Measure
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators led by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced legislation to create a $10 billion infrastructure bank that would use loans and loan guarantees to encourage private investment in transportation projects.
November 22, 2013Pilot Seeks Court Approval of $72 Mln. Rebate-Fraud Settlement
Attorneys representing Pilot Flying J and an estimated class of 5,500 truckers alleged to have been fraudulently shortchanged diesel fuel rebates will return to federal court in Little Rock, Ark., on Nov. 25, seeking final approval of a $72 million class-action settlement.
UPS to Raise Rates 4.9%
UPS Inc. said it will raise its rates on average 4.9% for package and airfreight delivery, effective Dec. 30.
November 22, 2013Intermodal Rail Volume Rises for Week
Intermodal rail volume for the week ended Nov. 16 rose 7% from the same period last year, the 20th consecutive rise, the Association of American Railroads reported.
November 22, 2013Schneider Upgrades Mexico Intermodal Service
Schneider National Inc. is enhancing intermodal service to and from Mexico, Senior Vice President Jim Filter told Transport Topics.
Ferro, House Republicans Spar Over HOS Restart Restrictions
Republican House members and FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro sparred over the 34-hour restart provision of the new hours-of-service rule for truck drivers at a House of Representatives subcommittee hearing.
Infrastructure Funding Headed for ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Transportation Official Warns
WASHINGTON — The federal government’s main source of transportation funding is headed for its own “fiscal cliff” unless Congress acts to pay for infrastructure needs that are critical to the economy, a transportation official said Nov. 21 during an American Highway Users Alliance conference.