Business

About Business News...

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.

Business, Logistics

Consumer Confidence Improves In August

Consumer confidence improved in August, according to the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan consumer sentiment index released Friday.

August 17, 2012
Business

Import Cargo Expected to Rise

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports, is expected to rise 6.3% in August from last year, according to a report by the National Retail Federation.

August 17, 2012
Business

Port of Virginia Signs Up Drivers for Chassis Rental Program

The Port of Virginia is signing up truck drivers for an online chassis rental program as ocean carriers’ move away from providing the equipment.

August 16, 2012
Business, Safety

Intermodal Volume Rises 5.2% in 2Q, IANA Reports

North American intermodal shipping volumes rose 5.2% during the second quarter, with the domestic segment growing more quickly than import-export business, the Intermodal Association of North America reported.

August 16, 2012
Business, Equipment

Philadelphia Factory Index Contracts for Fourth Month

Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region contracted for a fourth straight month in August, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

August 16, 2012
Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Fuel

FMCSA Extends Comment Deadline for Oilfield Rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has pushed back the deadline for public comment about changes to the hours-of-service rules for oilfield haulers.

August 16, 2012
Government, Business

Housing Starts Drop 1.1%

Housing starts fell 1.1% in July, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

August 16, 2012
Business

Initial Jobless Claims Rise

Initial jobless claims rose by 2,000 last week, the Labor Department said Thursday.

August 16, 2012
Business, Safety

3% of Fatal Crashes Involved Alcohol-Impaired Truck Drivers in 2010

Drivers of large trucks made up the smallest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2010, according to recently released data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

August 15, 2012
Business, Fuel

Crude Oil Inventories Drop

Stockpiles of crude oil dropped 3.7 million barrels to 366.3 million, in the seven days ended Aug. 10, said the Department of Energy on Wednesday.

August 15, 2012