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.
Acceptance of AMTs Grows, Makers Say
The hottest trend in heavy-duty truck transmissions — the growing acceptance of automated manual models — not only takes most of the shifting worries out of drivers’ hands but also integrates with other operating systems such as cruise control and engine brakes to make operations safer, easier and more fuel-efficient, according to manufacturers.
March 25, 2013Obama Again Proposes U.S. Tax Credits to Cut Net Cost of Natural-Gas Trucks
President Obama again proposed federal tax credits for buyers of trucks powered by natural gas, including such a plan in his newest energy initiative on March 15.
March 25, 2013Truck Production on Pace to Match 2012, But Could Jump Some 15% in ’14, ACT Says
COLUMBUS, Ind. — North American truck production in 2013 is on course to virtually match last year and will spike almost 15% in 2014 on stronger economic growth, ACT Research Co. President Kenny Vieth predicted.
March 25, 2013U.S., Canada Agree to Truck Cargo Test That Could Accelerate Border Crossings
United States and Canadian officials have agreed to launch a pilot program that they say could improve trade by allowing U.S.-bound trucks to be inspected on the Canadian side of the border at two crossing locations.
March 25, 2013Westport, Clean Energy Venture Bundles LNG System, Fuel Contract
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Westport Innovations and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced a new joint program aimed at further accelerating the adoption of liquefied natural gas vehicles among trucking companies.
March 25, 2013Cummins to Reap Fuel Gains From ‘SuperTruck’ Research
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Engine maker Cummins Inc. said it will introduce some of the fruits of its “SuperTruck” research in its upcoming models that will make them more fuel-efficient.
March 25, 2013FedEx Profit for 3rd Quarter Tumbles 31% as Customers Pick Slower, Cheaper Service
FedEx Corp.’s fiscal third-quarter profit declined from a year earlier as international airfreight remained weak and customers increasingly selected slower, less expensive services, the company said last week.
March 25, 2013Fuel Slips for Third Week
Retail fuel prices declined for a third consecutive week as the national average for diesel dipped 4.1 cents to $4.047 a gallon, while gasoline slipped 1.4 cents, according to the Department of Energy.
March 25, 2013Origo Rolls Out Ignition Interlock System
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Origo displayed its new OrigoSafe ignition interlock system at the Mid-America Trucking Show here.
March 22, 2013Lawmakers Push for HOS Delay
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has asked the federal government to delay enforcement of its latest changes to hours-of-service rules until three months after a federal appeals court rules on a challenge to the rule.