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.
Westport to End 15-Liter LNG Engine, Citing High Cost of Building Power Plant
Westport Innovations announced it is discontinuing its 15-liter liquefied natural gas engine, a move that will leave the North American trucking market without a natural-gas option for applications requiring high horsepower.
November 11, 2013Knight Steps Up Drive to Buy USA Truck, Criticizes ‘Significant Risk’ in Rescue Plan
Truckload carrier Knight Transportation Inc. stepped up its efforts to acquire USA Truck Inc. last week, charging that USA’s turnaround plan is “fraught with significant risk” due to persistent losses, aging equipment and weak cash flow.
November 11, 2013Intermodal Freight Up 4.7%; Total Shipments Top 4 Million
The growth of intermodal traffic accelerated in the third quarter, rising 4.7% to 4.01 million shipments, powered by a combination of improved domestic and international freight trends, the Intermodal Association of North America reported last week.
November 11, 2013Logistics Companies Growing Larger, Spurred by New Capital, Innovation
Logistics companies are undergoing a remarkable transformation, according to industry executives.
November 11, 2013YRC Asks Union for More Cuts To Satisfy Lenders’ Demands
YRC Worldwide Inc. last week pressed the Teamsters for more cost cuts to placate its lenders and sought formal negotiations with the union to extend the existing contract that is set to expire in early 2015.
November 11, 2013Class 8 Orders Surge in Oct. to Highest in Almost 2 Years
New Class 8 orders jumped to the highest level in nearly two years in October as they rose 13% above the same month in 2012, ACT Research reported.
November 11, 2013Safety Systems Shown to Reduce Rollovers, Other Accidents, FMCSA Study Declares
A new study has found trucks using lane-departure warning and roll-stability control systems are less likely to be involved in an accident than those not using the system.
November 11, 2013Diesel Dips 1.3¢ to $3.857
The average price of a gallon of diesel dipped 1.3 cents to a four-month low of $3.857 last week, while gasoline fell to its lowest level of the year, the Department of Energy reported.
November 11, 2013NHTSA Soon to Issue 2012 Crash Data, Including Truck-Involved Fatality Figures
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it will soon release data on 2012 truck-involved crashes, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a further analysis of 2011 statistics.
November 11, 2013YRC Seeks New Labor Contract Until 2019
YRC Worldwide Inc. has told the Teamsters union it needs a new contract agreement into 2019 in order to have lenders refinance debt that begins to come due next year.