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.
Largest U.S. Ports Drive Drayage Demand But Fleets Struggle With Regulatory Maze
LOS ANGELES — The torrent of economic activity passing through the two ports here generates a massive need for trucking services, but managers of fleets who work the ports also say it is an extremely challenging operating environment for motor carriers and their owner-operators.
February 18, 2013U.S. Could Spend $340 Million for Natural Gas Tax Incentives
The U.S. government could give out $340 million in refunds this year under a tax incentive program that helps boost the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel, according to an estimate by Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation.
February 18, 2013TCA to Focus on Current Industry Challenges, While Honoring Past at 75th Annual Meeting
The Truckload Carriers Association is scheduled to gather next month in Las Vegas for its 75th annual convention against the backdrop of rising fuel prices, tepid freight demand and chronic driver issues.
February 18, 2013Fuel Rules Will Shape Future Truck Design, Navistar’s Clarke Tells Truck Dealers
ORLANDO, Fla. — The trucks of tomorrow will be shaped by tougher fuel-efficiency standards and efforts to improve driver comfort and ease of operation, while the emergence of natural gas could potentially revolutionize the industry, the chief operating officer of Navistar International Corp. said.
February 18, 2013Studies Show Auto Driver Often at Fault in Truck-Involved Crashes, ATA Reports
As many as three of every four crashes involving cars and heavy trucks are caused by automobile “driver factors” such as speeding or failure to stay in a lane, according to a report released last week by American Trucking Associations.
February 18, 2013Class 8 Sales Decline Again
U.S. heavy-duty truck sales declined 6.8% in January from a year earlier to 13,158 units, the lowest monthly total since July 2011, WardsAuto.com said Feb. 12.
February 18, 2013Obama: Fixing Roads, Bridges Will Be a Second-Term Priority
WASHINGTON — Infrastructure funding was in the spotlight last week on Capitol Hill, both in President Obama’s State of the Union speech and at a congressional hearing.
February 18, 2013States Seek New Funding for Infrastructure Upgrades
With federal highway funds dwindling, some states are proposing unprecedented fuel-tax increases, while others are considering legalized gaming and boosting sales taxes to pay for roads and bridge fixes.
February 18, 2013YRC Narrows 4th-Qtr. Loss, Posts 2012 Operating Profit
YRC Worldwide Inc. said it recorded the first annual operating profit since 2006 and narrowed its fourth-quarter net loss to $35.3 million.
February 18, 2013Intermodal Freight Hits Record High in 2012, Powered by Domestic Containers, IANA Says
Intermodal freight in North America set an all-time record of 14.6 million shipments in 2012, powered by continued growth in domestic container shipments during the fourth quarter, the Intermodal Association of North America announced.
February 18, 2013