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.
Truck Orders Soar 36.2%
New Class 8 truck orders in North America rose in April to 23,300, the highest tally in 15 months, ACT Research said, leaving analysts to predict that manufacturers will ramp up production soon.
May 13, 2013Investors Face Lowered Returns on New HOS Costs, Fleets Warn
Publicly traded trucking companies are warning investors that upcoming changes to the hours-of-service rule could take a bite out of productivity and reduce equipment utilization.
May 13, 2013Intermodal to Stay Ahead of Economy, Experts Say
OAK BROOK, Ill. — Intermodal shipments in 2013 should continue growing faster than the economy because of increased shorter haul business, tightening truck capacity and the potential for more cross-border traffic with Mexico, industry experts said.
May 13, 2013Proposal Would Require Same-Day Reports of Drivers’ Medical Results to Government
Medical professionals would be required to report the results of physical examinations of commercial drivers to the federal government on the same day as the exam under a regulation proposed last week.
May 13, 2013Bills Aim to Block Efforts to Raise Truck Size, Weight
WASHINGTON — Calling large, heavy trucks a danger to the nation’s highways and motorists who use them, two members of Congress last week proposed a measure that would stop any state’s attempt to increase size-and-weight restrictions on trucks.
May 13, 2013TSA Awards Contract to Triumph Enterprises to Train Drivers to Spot Terrorist Activities
The Transportation Security Administration has awarded a contract to Triumph Enterprises Inc. to continue a program, initially started by American Trucking Associations, to train commercial drivers to spot possible terrorist activities on U.S. highways, according to a memo obtained by Transport Topics.
May 13, 2013Meritor Removes McClure; Names Evans Chairman, CEO
Charles “Chip” McClure Jr. was removed last week as chairman and CEO of truck components maker Meritor Inc., and the board of directors selected Ivor “Ike” Evans to succeed him.
May 13, 2013300 Local Union Leaders Endorse Deal Covering UPS Package, Freight Workers
Union leaders of more than 300 Teamsters locals approved tentative contracts last week covering 250,000 UPS Inc. package and freight workers, who stand to receive pay raises, benefits enhancements and new on-the-job protection.
May 13, 2013ATA Launches New Educational Program for Next Generation of Industry Leaders
American Trucking Associations launched a program last week aimed at training young trucking executives to become leaders within the association through a yearlong series of educational and networking sessions.
May 13, 2013Diesel Extends Decline 0.6¢ to $3.845; Midwest Bucks Trend With 2.9¢ Rise
The U.S. retail diesel average price declined for the 10th straight week, dropping 0.6 cent a gallon to $3.845, the Department of Energy reported.
May 13, 2013