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.
Editorial: A Misguided HOS Revision
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s new hours-of-service rule is a serious and major disappointment for the trucking industry.
January 9, 2012Experts Predict More Mergers as Trucking’s Fortunes Improve
Trucking industry mergers and acquisitions are expected to surge this year because of factors such as tight capacity and eager private-equity buyers, several industry experts have said.
January 9, 2012Registration Paperwork Too Long, Confusing, Carriers, Brokers Tell FMCSA
Trade organizations representing motor carriers and freight brokers generally backed a federal move to streamline the federal registration process, but complained that the registration form is too long and complicated for many in the industry.
January 9, 2012Engine Casting Capacity Shrank In Recession, Foundries Say
While heavy-duty truck makers said last week that they do not share Navistar International’s assessment that engine castings are in short supply, foundry executives said the recession eliminated industry capacity and problems could become more noticeable if demand for metal parts continues to rise.
January 9, 2012EPA Mandates 25% More Biodiesel This Year
Diesel refineries must produce 1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2012, a 25% increase from last year, the Environmental Protection Agency said last month, but the agency decided to delay its planned 2013 mandate.
January 9, 2012Analysts Expect HOS Lawsuits; 11th Hour, Restart Fuel Conflict
At least some trucking industry analysts said they expect the latest version of the hours-of-service rule to land back in federal court because the rule seems to satisfy no one.
January 9, 2012Fleets, Vendors Back Hands-Free Devices But Blast NTSB’s Call for Total Cellphone Ban
While many trucking fleets and the companies that make in-cab data devices to support carriers’ operations back moves to restrict cellphone use by drivers, a number of them strongly oppose the recent National Transportation Safety Board recommendation that calls for a total ban on their use — including hands-free devices — while driving.
January 9, 2012Federal Advisory Panel Studying EOBRs Wrestles With Safeguarding Data Privacy
A federal advisory committee studying electronic onboard recorders did not reach a consensus on the best way to transmit hours-of-service data from the truck cab to roadside inspectors, but did offer recommendations on items including safeguarding carrier and driver privacy.
January 9, 2012Increased Truck Tolls Imposed in 10 States
Many truckers started the new year digging deeper into pockets as 10 states imposed higher tolls.
January 9, 2012Economy, State of Industry Top Issues at Heavy-Duty Manufacturers’ Meetings
Manufacturers and sellers of components, parts and systems for heavy-duty trucks will examine the state of their industry, the economy at large and issues of corporate culture at two meetings in Las Vegas, Jan. 23-26.
January 9, 2012