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.
February Medium-Duty Sales Post 3.4% Decline
U.S. retail sales for medium-duty trucks declined 3.4% in February compared with year-ago levels, according to data from Wards Intelligence.
Automated Truck Developer Gatik to Make Kroger Deliveries
Autonomous technology developer Gatik is partnering with grocery store chain Kroger for deliveries via automated medium-duty trucks in the Dallas area.
North American EV Production Slowly Catches Up to Demand
Electric vehicle production in North America is finally creeping up on EV demand, as automakers like Volkswagen, Ford, Lucid and Rivian hustle to close the output gap with front-runner Tesla.
Senate CDL Bill Spotlights Veterans
Legislation that would ensure veterans benefits are approved without delay at new commercial driving schools was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate.
DOT Announces $2.5 Billion Grant for Charging Infrastructure
The government announced $2.5 billion in grants for charging stations and alternative fueling infrastructure, partly to increase access along highway corridors for longhaul trucking.
Uber, Lyft Get Positive Ruling in California Labor Case
App-based ride-hailing and delivery companies like Uber and Lyft can continue to treat their California drivers as independent contractors, a state appeals court ruled March 13.
Ritchie Shareholders Approve $6 Billion IAA Takeover
Shareholders of heavy equipment auctioneer Ritchie Bros. approved the company’s plan to acquire vehicle-seller IAA Inc., ending a battle to block the $6 billion deal.
Amazon, Rivian May End EV Van Exclusivity
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian and Amazon are in active discussions about ending the exclusivity provision of their delivery van deal, according to multiple media reports.
Buttigieg, DOT Push Crackdown on Transportation Mergers
Transportation regulators are shifting how they view competition and will ensure airlines, railroads and others serve consumers, according to Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Inflation Stays High in February, Complicating Fed’s Plans
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer price increases eased from January to February but still indicated elevated inflation, posing a challenge for the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans.